The LUX Center for the Arts in Lincoln, Nebraska, has launched its fourth biennial international print exhibition, titled Surface Impressions. The exhibition, which runs through October 26, 2024, features 52 works from 43 artists representing 11 countries. According to the LUX Center for the Arts, the collection highlights the evolving landscape of contemporary printmaking, showcasing techniques ranging from traditional woodcuts to digital experimentation.
Global Scope of the 2024 Exhibition
The selection process for Surface Impressions was highly competitive. A panel of three jurors—artist and educator Fritz Horstman, printmaker Taryn McMahon, and curator Karen Kunc—reviewed hundreds of submissions from around the world. The resulting exhibition includes artists from the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Japan, and several other nations.
By inviting international participation, the LUX Center aims to provide Lincoln residents with a cross-section of global trends in the medium. The works on display demonstrate how artists are currently blending historical print processes with modern visual languages.
Understanding the Printmaking Medium
Printmaking is a unique artistic discipline because it relies on the transfer of an image from a matrix—such as a woodblock, metal plate, or digital screen—onto a surface like paper or fabric. Unlike a painting, which is typically a singular object, printmaking often involves the creation of multiple impressions, though contemporary artists in the exhibition frequently experiment with unique, one-of-a-kind prints.
The exhibition emphasizes the "surface" aspect of the craft. This refers to the physical texture created by ink application and the pressure of the printing press, as well as the conceptual layers artists build into their compositions.
Visiting the LUX Center for the Arts
The exhibition is free and open to the public at the LUX Center’s gallery space.
- Dates: August 23 – October 26, 2024.
- Location: 2601 N 48th St, Lincoln, NE.
- Gallery Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The LUX Center frequently hosts educational programming alongside its exhibitions. Visitors interested in the technical aspects of the work on display can inquire about the center’s ongoing studio classes, which cover various printmaking methods including screen printing, intaglio, and relief printing.
Exhibition Highlights
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Artists | 43 |
| Countries Represented | 11 |
| Total Works | 52 |
| Jurors | Fritz Horstman, Taryn McMahon, Karen Kunc |
The exhibition serves as a significant marker for the center’s commitment to the arts in Nebraska. By hosting a recurring biennial, the LUX Center establishes a consistent venue for international dialogue, ensuring that the local arts community remains connected to the broader global art market and academic discourse.