Printmakers Invited to Take Part at 15th Seoul Biennial in April
By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter
Printmaking is often overlooked in today's increasingly multimedia-centered art world. And yet, the 15th SPACE International Print Biennial continues to push printmaking to the forefront of the art scene.
Print artists from around the world are invited to send their applications for the 15th biennial, organized by the SPACE Group, which will be held in Seoul in April.
``We believe that `SPACE International Print Biennial ― Seoul' will not only support the aesthetic identity and potential of the print genre today, but also continue to play a valuable role in upholding the spirit of culture and art as well as in creating an exciting arena for the international exchange of art,'' organizers said.
The biennial will be held from April 9 to May 10 at the Seoul Museum of Art, in downtown Seoul. The Grand Prize winner will receive $10,000, while two Excellent Prize winners will receive $5,000 each.
Polish artist Marta Lech won the Grand Prize at the 14th biennial in 2006, for her ``20.09." American artist Michael Goro's ``Urban Serenity'' and Luxembourg artist Isabelle Lutz's ``Five Senses II'' were awarded Excellent Prizes.
Launched in 1980, the biennial was aimed at discovering new and fresh print artists from around the world. With its motto ``small is beautiful,'' the biennial has helped discover talented printmakers and improve the quality of printmaking.
In 2002, the biennial expanded its scope by allowing larger sized print works, inviting more international participants and increasing prize money.
The biennial, which is the only international print exhibition in Korea, has been recognized for its efforts to revive and promote printmaking in Korea and around the world. Korea itself is known for its long history of printmaking.
The 15th biennial was originally scheduled for 2008.
Applications are being accepted until March 13. All print works should be created after 2008, and the size should not exceed 110 cm x 80 and should be submitted without frames or mats. Each artist may submit a maximum of two prints.
Download application forms at www.spaceprintbiennial.org. Send email to master@spaceprintbiennial.org or call (02) 3670-3634.