An examination of the influence of industrial printing technology and imagery on printmaking

Abstract

A relationship between art and technology has existed since man first used his hands to make objects and images both functional and aesthetic. Generally speaking, before the Industrial Revolution that relationship was accepted as natural and fundamental to progress. But since the explosion of scientific information and related technology it appears to have gone awry. The resultant discord and imbalance is clearly reflected in the history of printmaking. Printing first made its appearance in 15th century Europe at the beginning of a new era in Western culture. From humble beginnings it developed and flourished as an industry to meet the demand for exactly repeatable images both typographical and pictorial. From the first century of its existence printing was also used by artists who realised that, in addition to its economic and informative value and potential, the medium could be used for creative visual expression.