Press Gang Exhibition

 I recently visited an exhibition at the Falmouth art gallery titled “Press Gang” which attempted to encapsulate print making. Providing the opportunity for local artists to present their work along with world renowned artists such as Picasso and Turner. The exhibition utilized historical prints to provide a context from which the audience begin their journey through the evolution of print making. Every room of the exhibition takes you on a journey as various artists can be seen experimenting with new techniques and styles of printing from traditional etchings and screen prints to lithography.

Upon entering the first room of the exhibition you are greeted by a combination of modern brightly coloured prints and some of the oldest prints on display. The curator has clearly taken time to consider the subjects in each print and across the walls you can find prints that complement one another, each collection of prints presents similar aesthetics and themes within the work to captivate the audience allowing the prints to really play off of each other however certain collections of prints seem to overpower others and so I feel this prevents some of the older pieces being appreciated especially because they are very close to the left of the viewer when entering, this I found meant many people ignored those prints and walked straight in and to the main wall displaying bright prints such as RA Timberaine by sir Terry Frost. The prints presented from Sir Terry Frost were by far the brightest and boldest across the walls and worked as a main focal point within the first room featuring strong, bold colours printed onto wood these prints stand out from the white walls of the studio space and contrast well against the more delicate pieces across the room

Separated into three rooms the exhibition has no clear theme in terms of genre however the works up on the wall were well curated and it is clear where the exhibit is taking you. In the second room you enter a more focused space although continuing the journey through the evolution of print making you are presented with a larger collection of prints that present a similar theme. The space has been titled “picturing the mines” it almost feels as though you’ve entered a different exhibition, however this isn’t a negative thought as it allows the audience to slow down and spend a few moments completely immersed in works that present a similar idea and concept. This in my opinion is fantastic curatorial practice as it allows dozens of pieces of work to complement one another bringing a greater understanding to the viewer while leaving a greater impact as each print could be more deeply appreciated and understood.

My personal favourite print in this exhibition is perhaps the large Grayson Perry print that dominated the second room titled “Print for a politician”. This print was one of the many examples of etching  across the room, created using 3 plates on a single sheet ,this print attempts to label everyone in society in a humorous manner depicting all manner of social groups from parents and communists to al-Qaeda and fat people. The print although seemingly aggressive with depictions of war and conflict attempts to portray a deeper message, that, in the end everyone is as bad as each other. The print is intentionally random presenting architecture and technology from dozens of periods through history.

Overall I would recommend this exhibition, I find that its vast variety of work and style combined with its journey of the evolution of an art form is intriguing and educative providing the audience with a worthwhile experience.