Printmaking fair returns to Beijing

For many great artists in history, printmaking has run in parallel with painting in terms of importance in their careers. Artists such as Rembrandt van Rijn and Pablo Picasso developed a fascination with printing presses, eager to see how their paintings could be transformed into a different medium. This process not only allowed them to explore recurring themes and motifs in new ways, but also made their art far more accessible. Compared with paintings, prints were significantly more affordable, enabling artists to reach a wider audience and extend their public influence.

In an era when art spans an ever-expanding range of styles, printmaking remains a popular and accessible form for the public to enjoy. This is thanks to the efforts of dedicated artists, workshops and institutions, as well as events like the ongoing Guardian International Print Fair. The fair's second edition has returned to the Guardian Art Center in Beijing, running from June 13 to 21, and showcases recent developments in printmaking alongside its growing market potential.

Works by contemporary artists are on display from studios and galleries in China and abroad, alongside historical prints that celebrate the long tradition and diversity of printmaking around the world. These include Yangliuqing prints from a historical printmaking center in Tianjin, and ukiyo-e (pictures of the floating world) woodblocks that depict the social life and aesthetics of Japan from the 17th to the 19th centuries.

The fair also features booths by young artists and studios presenting creative products, such as art books, toys and magnets.

A Guardian Printmaking Yearbook has also been released, bringing together perspectives from practitioners, academics and market professionals. The book seeks to situate contemporary printmaking within a longer art-historical context, addressing current issues such as ethics and authentication in the digital age.

The Printmaker of the Year award at this fair was presented to noted artist Tan Ping in recognition of his multidisciplinary explorations over four decades. Tan, who majored in printmaking at university, says that his training has shaped his artistic thinking. Although his practice has expanded over the years into other forms of art, printmaking remains the essential foundation of his creative methodology.