Exhibition - Risographic

The Bath House Cultural Center showcases an exhibition dedicated to celebrating the art of risograph printing.  Featuring a selection of works by regional and international artists who have incorporated this medium into their artistic repertoire, the exhibition offers an exploration of the creative possibilities of risograph—or riso, as it is commonly known— printing.  The artists and Riso presses featured in the exhibition are Bestu Friendo, The Cauldron Press, Center for Imaginative Cartography and Research, Chi Leong, Mystic Multiples, Natalie Andrewson, Play Nice Press, Riso Riso, SARA (Sociedad Anónima Reproducción Autogestiva), S.M. Sanz, Strange Powers Press, We Are Out of Office, Ian Wortham, and Michaela Yarbrough.

Curated by Dallas-based artist Mylan Nguyen, the exhibition highlights how riso printing has transcended its origins as a digital duplicator developed by the Japanese company Riso Kagaku Corporation in the 1980s. Initially intended for high-volume photocopying and printing in commercial environments, riso machines quickly captured the imagination of the fine art, illustration, and design communities. Artists were drawn to its compactness, versatility, and relative affordability, as well as its resemblance to traditional printmaking techniques. Through this exhibition, visitors can experience how risograph has become a dynamic medium for artistic expression in contemporary practice.

Riso printing has steadily gained popularity among artists due to its adaptability, compactness, and integration of handmade elements. Even the occasional unpredictability inherent in this printing process, including flawed registration, smudging, and uneven coverage, can sometimes be welcomed and appreciated for its charming imperfections.  Additionally, this technique stands out as an environmentally conscious and sustainable print process.  Utilizing vegetable oil-based inks, this method eliminates the need for electric dryers as the inks are naturally absorbed by the uncoated fibers of the paper.

Riso printing, a relatively novel medium in visual art, has quickly gained traction among artists for its versatility and stunning creations. With dynamic colors, unique textures, and eco-friendly processes, it offers artists a fresh canvas to showcase their work in a distinct manner, attracting admiration from audiences worldwide.

Dates: May 4 - June 8, 2024.