A total of 46 printmaking works by primary and secondary school students were showcased at the Rui Cunha Foundation (FRC) gallery over five days, presenting the winning works from a recent competition while showcasing the techniques behind the craft.
Co-organised with the Macao Youth of Printmaking Association and having ended on Saturday, the exhibition, “The 7th Macau Primary and Secondary School Students’ Printmaking Yearly Exhibition”, featured artworks chosen from a recently-held contest, which, according to a statement from the gallery, had the most participants since its inception.
The winning works were chosen from 270 entries from 14 schools. Techniques that were showcased included relief, intaglio*, screen printing, and lithography, with the contest continuing to promote manual and traditional techniques to youngsters.
In a separate statement, Macau Youth of Printmaking Association Vice President Wong Wai I said that the recent contest and exhibition continued their mission to bring the craft, which is deeply rooted in Macau and vital to its art scene, to schools, while highlighting it as a platform for teachers and students to connect, share ideas and learn from each other.
“The work collected each year is witness to the growth of students and reflects the deepening roots of printmaking education in schools”, noting that a new generation of printmakers can be nurtured through the contest being a regular event.
*Intaglio is a printmaking technique where an image is carved or etched below the surface of a metal plate. Ink is worked into these recessed grooves and the surface is wiped clean, before a high-pressure press forces damp paper into the lines to absorb the ink. – Gemini
A gallerygoer examines one of the works on display at the Rui Cunha Foundation (FRC) gallery for the recently-concluded “The 7th Macau Primary and Secondary School Students’ Printmaking Yearly Exhibition”. – Photos: Rui Pastorin
