Entries Open for The International Original Print Exhibition 2023

Jackson’s is proud to be the lead sponsor of The International Original Print Exhibition 2023. Established by the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers (RE), is an international open submission exhibition celebrating the best of contemporary printmaking. As an art organisation run by artists, the RE is constantly working to create long-term opportunities for artists and promote printmaking to a wider audience.

Above image: Nuclear Sands, Theadora Ballantye-Way, Polymer photogravure

International Original Print Exhibition 2022 at Bankside Gallery

Formally the National Original Print Exhibition, in 2021, the show was renamed the International Original Print Exhibition (IOPE) to reflect its ever increasing inclusion of entries from international artists enriching the resulting exhibition.

Up to 200 prints on display at the International Original Print Exhibition 2022 at Bankside Gallery

Q & A with David Ferry, President of the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers

How long have you been the President of the RE? Can you talk about your path to getting there? Are you a printmaker yourself?

David: I became President in 2018 and prior to that was a member of the RE Council, which is a normal step towards Presidency. I studied Printmaking at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels and was privileged to have as my mentors, Agathe Sorel, Stanley Jones and Peter Daglish amongst others. Their genuine enthusiasm for printmaking was infectious and life-long, and their legacy is an important and magical one. I am constantly surprised and excited by the printmaking act however simple or technologically complex. The alchemy of printmaking rests in the imagination of the maker.

What is the most predominant style of printmaking you see as the president of the RE?

David: Recently, I have seen a joyous return to narrative image making, with a celebration of colour coupled with a wide spectrum of printmaking process from woodcut to digital and everything in between. Printmaking is a forever evolving art process, there are no real rules, only the originality of the image. This has been proven throughout our previous International Original Print Exhibitions. Myself and our invited selectors are amazed by the enormous variety and voracity of spirit within the artists’ submissions.

Carousel
Amy Van den Bergh
Risograph print

Can you tell us about the history of the exhibition? How long has it been running and how has it evolved?

David: The initial concept for what was called the National Original Print Exhibition began in 2014, and this was the forerunner to our recently revived open submission exhibition, which we now call the International Original Print Exhibition. This renaming was to reflect our increasing global reach and we are delighted to have an increasing number of submissions from across the world.

As a member of the selection panel, can you tell us what will you be looking for the in the entries for the exhibition this year?

David: We will be looking for originality, verve, risk-taking with a celebration of printmaking in whatever form the submission takes. Each year the look and feel of the exhibition changes because we invite selectors from many fields of culture to be our selectors. This year we are proud to announce our guest selectors; Rob Ryan, Sharon Lloyd and Mark Golder who bring with them a personal dynamic and flavour to the whole mix.

What advice do you have for anyone thinking of submitting their work to be considered for the exhibition?

David: We accept submissions from all printmakers, irrespective of their experience in printmaking. Please do not think you have to be a master of process to enter. We welcome a complete kaleidoscope of intent and production and are always looking for the unexpected and the different. This approach is what makes the resulting exhibition at Bankside Gallery a hugely diverse and eclectic collection of images.

This years winner will receive a £250 Jackson’s Art Voucher.

International Original Print Exhibition 2023

Selection Panel

This year’s selection panel are Artist Rob Ryan, Collector & Academic Dr Mark Golder, Co-Founder of FACE (Fashion Academics Creating Equality), Sharon Lloyd. They will be joined by RE President, David Ferry and Vice President Michelle Griffiths.

They will select the exhibition of works that will then take place at London’s Bankside Gallery from 21 September – 1 October 2023. This usually includes up to 200 works. Printmaking in every form is eligible and the exhibition frequently pushes the boundaries of what people expect from a printmaking show, with the inclusion of 3D work and digital animations and super-sized pieces.

Prizes

International Original Print Exhibition is supported by numerous prizegivers, offering editorial and exhibiting opportunities, studio time and artists materials. The RE gives a prize of a one-year Guest Membership to the Society to one exhibiting artist.

The winner of the Jackson’s Art Supplies Award will receive a £250 Jackson’s voucher.

Dates

Competition deadline for entries: 3 July 2023

Exhibition of successful entries: 21 September – 1 October, 2023 at Bankside Gallery, Thames Riverside, 48 Hopton Street, London SE1 9JH

Private View and Prizegiving: Wednesday 20 September 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm

Applicants can find out more information and enter online here

Unveiling
Fiona Fouhy
Monotype print

Further Reading

Woodcut Printmaking for Beginners – What You Need to Get Started

Monotype Printmaking for Beginners – What You Need to Get Started

Linocut Printmaking for Beginners – What You Need to Get Started

Everything You Need to Know About Printmaking Paper

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