Lucknow: The ongoing “National Printmaking Camp” at the Regional Centre of Lalit Kala Akademi in Aliganj is emerging as a vibrant hub of artistic experimentation, bringing together some of India’s finest printmakers under one roof. Organized in collaboration with the State Lalit Kala Akademi, Uttar Pradesh, the six-day camp is part of the collateral programme of the 3rd Print Biennale India and is providing a dynamic platform to explore both traditional nuances and contemporary trends in printmaking.
On the third day of the camp, March 27, the workshop witnessed an engaging blend of technical precision and creative expression. Artists from across the country began transforming their ideas into visual forms, demonstrating intricate processes that define the art of printmaking.
The day’s activities focused on the etching technique, a central feature of this year’s camp. Artists carefully cut zinc plates into desired shapes and applied an acid-resistant coating known as “ground.” Once dried, they used needles and sharp tools to etch their designs onto the surface by scratching through the coating. These prepared plates were then immersed in a nitric acid solution, allowing the exposed metal to be bitten by the acid, creating deep, defined lines that form the foundation of graphic imagery.
The camp’s emphasis on etching has enabled participants to engage deeply with one of the most refined and demanding printmaking methods. Under the guidance of Prof. Shyam Sharma, artists are not only honing their technical skills but also exchanging stylistic ideas rooted in diverse regional cultures.
Highlighting the significance of the workshop, Prof. Sharma described etching as more than a technique. “Etching is a discipline of patience and precision. What we are witnessing here is how varied cultural expressions are being translated into a universal visual language on metal plates,” he said.
The camp features participation from eminent artists including Dr. Sanjeev Kishore Gautam (Delhi), Dr. Mahesh Singh (Varanasi), Ranjan Vishwakarma (Prayagraj), Dilip Tamoli (Guwahati, Assam), Tribhuvan Kumar (Mau, Uttar Pradesh), Anant Kumar Sahu (Chhattisgarh), Deepak Yadav (Haryana), and Praveen Sharma (Shimla), alongside Prof. Sharma.
Sanjeev Kishore Gautam, Director General of the National Gallery of Modern Art, подчеркнул the importance of such initiatives, noting that the presence of leading artists in Lucknow reflects the concerted efforts of both national and state academies in promoting art at a broader level.
Artist Dilip Tamoli emphasized the historical significance of printmaking, tracing its roots to traditional mediums such as film posters and early newspapers. He appreciated the efforts of the organizing institutions in sustaining and promoting this rich artistic discipline.
Regional Secretary Dr. Devendra Tripathi noted that local artists from Lucknow are also actively participating alongside invited masters, creating a fertile ground for the exchange of techniques and ideas. This interaction, he said, is fostering a diverse and enriching artistic environment.
The camp will continue until March 30, 2026, at the Lalit Kala Akademi Regional Centre in Lucknow, offering art enthusiasts a unique opportunity to witness live printmaking processes and engage with artists shaping the contemporary visual landscape.
