La Calaca Press International Print Exchange 2013

The Printmaker Posada

La Calaca Press is conducting a printmaking exchange, created to promote printmaking and create connections with artist/printmakers around the world.
The print exchange & exhibition in 2013  pays homage to the Centenary of the death of Posada ( a famous South American printmaker.) The theme is "The Day of the Dead" a theme that Posada used throughout his life's work. Printmakers from around the world are asked to create an edition of 15 prints to be sent before Sept 2013. 2 prints will go into exhibitions, one will be archived and the 12 other copies of the edition will go into a collection which will be divided up in a random selection and 12 different prints will be sent to each participant in November/December 2013.

My submission and its development...

Lino Cut
Hand coloured with Brilliant Watercolour
Fabriano Rosapina- Bianco 220gsm
12" X 9"
Symbolism
The Marigold Flower - represents grief and it is used extensively in The Day of the Dead Ceremonies.
The Butterfly (Mariposas in Spanish) - represents  the soul of the departed returning for their annual visit. It is interesting to note that the annual migration of Monarch Butterflies starts around the Day of the Dead on October 31st. The Butterfy as the symbol of the soul is a very ancient belief.
The Skull - is of course the symbol of death.

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Each colour range was added separately to the Lino cut in a run so as not to muddy the colour application. The prints have to be numbered, pressed and packed carefully with acid free tissue between each print and then posted to Carlos Barberena USA. http://calacapress.blogspot.com