Printmaking and the US Political Landscape, 1968–present

December 6, 2024–ongoing
Works on Paper Gallery

Overview
Tours

Overview
Tours

The prints featured in this presentation critically reflect on a range of political flashpoints in the US over the past fifty years. Made using techniques like lithography and screen printing, they span major moments of unrest, from the civil rights movement (1954–68) and the Vietnam War (1955–75) to the great recession (2007–9) and the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–23). The contemporary printmakers included in this installation are largely critical of traditional, monolithic definitions of “America,” instead making space for more diverse identities, experiences, and beliefs. While some employ bold, compelling visuals to confront systemic prejudice, address issues of identity and belonging, or protest governmental corruption, others reference sociopolitical issues only indirectly. Ultimately, they all employ the reproducible print as a powerful tool—one capable of disseminating ideas widely and reaching diverse audiences.