20/20 Vision, Second Edition

The Art of Contemporary University Printmaking

David Afsah-Mohallatee

The current work being exhibited: Architectural Structure 003105 is a combination traditional Intaglio print combined with computer-generated drawings and digital prints. I have approached piece in the series with a similar sensibility towards markmaking achieved through traditional printmaking techniques.

In the intaglio, drawings and digital prints, I employ encaustic painting techniques with conventional printmaking and drawing applications juxtaposed with digitally enhanced imagery. The digital manipulation programs such as PhotoShop and Illustrator function as direct extensions of both printmaking and drawing applications. The process of reworking the surface of the materials in an abrasive fashion is important to the work in creating the rich, lush surfaces. Questioning the traditions and conventions of the media and this exploration in both prints and drawings are continuing themes in my work.

The substrates I incorporate for the intimate-scale digital prints are meticulously constructed wooden boxes that project the objects off the wall. These complement spatial relationships that are directly informed by the printmaking process resulting in the fabrication of a semi-sculptural object. I use wax to incase the objects and images in a skin-like layer that diffuses light and creates a repulsive yet extremely seductive surface. The plasticity of the wax gives the pieces a physical presence. The digitally manufactured image mimics painting in its manipulation of layers, transparency and opacity of the marks created in the computer programs.
The use of conventional drawing materials such as charcoal, graphite, pastel, erasers, color pencil and painting media such as watercolor and gouache are juxtaposed in their application to create a new visual dialogue. The combination of unrelated and semi-compatible materials and marks allow the pieces to germinate and develop an independent visual vocabulary.

All of these media create dark, meditative works, which allude to the erosion of architectural structures, their surfaces, and elements of nature, illuminated manuscripts, urban topography and traditional and contemporary fabric/wallpaper designs.