Print Out exhibition celebrates double anniversary

Published by University of Leicester Press Office for University of Leicester in Education and also in Communities

A unique exhibition to mark the 25th anniversary of Leicester Print Workshop and the tenth year of the University of Leicester’s annual ‘Sculpture in the Garden’ exhibition is to take place at Embrace Arts, the University’s arts centre, from Monday 10 October to Friday 9 December.

The exhibition, ‘Print Out’, is curated by Embrace Arts, and Leicester Print Workshop (LPW) and features thirty artists from around the UK and from Portugal.

Through the work of artists from across the UK, ‘Print Out’ explores how printmaking techniques can be used to create textured and three-dimensional works in a dynamic and vibrant display of origami, books, sculpture, jewellery, textiles and collage.

A preview party will take place on Friday 7 October, 6pm – 8pm, which is free of charge and open to the public, but by advance booking only.   Tickets are available from Embrace Arts, RA centre, University of Leicester, tel 0116 252 2455, email arts-centre@le.ac.uk.

Among the artists to be featured in ‘Print Out’ are: Sandria Gilling, whose work explores linguistic nuances contained in short phrases, the act of reading, the uncertain nature of communication between author and reader and the ambiguities of translation;  Chie Hosaka, a Nottingham-based artist whose work spans print, drawing, installation, ceramics and animation;  Heloise Godfrey, who works with sound, sculpture and video, as well as print;  Gemma Wright, who creates photomontages derived from architecture and patterns within architecture, which are transferred to silk screens as 3D forms and structures utilising the photo imaging process;  Bernie Rutter, who works as an artist and community consultant on a variety of public art and education projects and was the second print worker at Leicester Print Workshop at its Knighton Lane Venue;  and Sophie Adams-Foster, whose work reflects her belief that industrial techniques applied to contemporary art are exciting and beautiful in their own right. 

Lucy Phillips from Leicester Print Workshop commented:  “Both Leicester Print Workshop and the University of Leicester’s ‘Sculpture in the Garden’ are celebrating significant birthdays in 2011. 

“What we will see at the opening on 7 October is a new exhibition for Leicester featuring artists based in the East Midlands, but also including work from artists working much further afield.  We hope it presents printmaking in a new light, complements the ‘Sculpture in the Garden’ exhibition and provides inspiration to all who visit”.

Stella Couloutbanis, Visual Arts Manager for Embrace Arts, added: “Embrace Arts has had the pleasure of working with Leicester Print Workshop for the last three years.   We feel the collaboration has many mutual benefits for both our organisations, including the development of existing and new audiences in the appreciation of printmaking. It also highlights Embrace Arts as an exciting exhibition space for contemporary visual arts.

“’Print Out’ is the second collaborative themed exhibition we have curated and is our most impressive to date.”

Leicester Print Workshop, the region’s centre for fine art printmaking, works with Embrace Arts to celebrate and promote contemporary fine art printmaking.  Their current relationship was formed in 2010 and will certainly run at least to 2012. 

‘Print Out’ takes place at Embrace Arts, Lancaster Road, Leicester from Monday 10 October to Friday 9 December. Admission is free and the Embrace Arts gallery is open between 10am and 6pm Monday to Friday.  For weekend opening hours please contact Embrace Arts box office: 0116 252 2455.

Leicester Print Workshop is a Regularly Funded Organisation with The Arts Council England.

For those who enjoy a hands-on approach, Embrace Arts invites you to drop in and try your hand at spontaneous, drawing-based printmaking led by Claire Morris Wright, on Saturday 8 October, 11am – 3pm, FREE, as part of The Campaign for Drawing’s Big Draw 2011. Ideal for 5+ years. All children must be accompanied by an adult. No need to book.