Print Room Talks: Expressionism and Spirituality

Contemporary prints can be large scale, complex in color and composition, and at times even three dimensional. It begs the question: are artists making all these prints on their own?

Artists with or without an in-depth background in printmaking work at professional print studios where ambitious ideas are explored, tapping the knowledge of experienced master printers. While the technical skills and solutions offered by master printers at printmaking workshops may be key in the realization of the final print, their collaborative role is seldom celebrated.

This series will explore the development of the post-WWII Print Renaissance in the U.S., which transformed the perception of printmaking from merely reproductive to a fine art in its own right. Through the proliferation of printmaking workshops and their interconnections, discover the artists who together are making some of the most exciting prints that we see today.

Expressionism and Spirituality
While much is spoken about the development of non-objective art and away from representation in the 20th century, many artists continued to explore traditional subjects in new ways. Georges Rouault, Max Beckmann, Letterio Calapai, and Art Cislo used an expressionistic style to add dramatic power to the religious themes in their works.

Expressionism and Spirituality in the Print and Drawing Study Center is on display at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art from March 11 - May 2, 2025.