Over the last two decades, geopolitical borders have shifted and new technologies have forged channels of communication around the world. Printed materials, in both innovative and traditional forms, have played a key role in this exchange of ideas and sources. This exhibition examines the evolution of artistic practices related to the print medium, from a resurgence of traditional printmaking techniques—often used alongside digital technologies—to the proliferation of self-published artists’ projects.
Bringing together some 70 series or projects drawn substantially from MoMA’s extensive collection of prints and books, with the addition of several important loans, the exhibition will feature major artists and publishing projects, such as: Ai Weiwei, Trisha Donnelly, Martin Kippenberger, Daniel Joseph Martinez, Lucy McKenzie, Aleksandra Mir, Museum in Progress, Edition Jacob Samuel, Thomas Schutte, SUPERFLEX, Rirkrit Tiravanija, and Christopher Wool, among many others.
Print/Out is part of a series of large print surveys periodically organized by the Museum’s Department of Prints and Illustrated Books in order to assess the evolution of the medium. The last two exhibitions were Printed Art: A View of Two Decades, organized by Riva Castleman in 1980, andThinking Print: Books to Billboards: 1980–1995, curated by Deborah Wye in 1996. Print/Out is organized by Christophe Cherix, The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Chief Curator of Prints and Illustrated Books, with Kim Conaty, Curatorial Assistant, Department of Prints and Illustrated Books, The Museum of Modern Art.
In the Museum’s Paul J. Sachs Prints and Illustrated Books Galleries on the second floor, a focused section of the exhibition will be co-organized by artist Ellen Gallagher (American, b. 1965) and Sarah Suzuki, The Sue and Eugene Mercy, Jr. Associate Curator of Prints and Illustrated Books at MoMA. This presentation will be a rumination on the multiple techniques and complex sources and themes in Gallagher’s 60-part print project DeLuxe (2004–05), and will include numerous works selected by Gallagher and Suzuki from MoMA’s collection, as well as loans and archival materials related to the project.
Print/Out
February 19, 2012–May 14, 2012
The International Council of The Museum of Modern Art Exhibition Gallery, sixth floor
