Book Description:
'A superb chronicle of a unique period in the development of printmaking in the U.S. in the post World War II years. This excellent history of a gifted group of artist professors who through their creative and innovative approach to the teaching of printmaking helped to initiate a renaissance in printmaking that has become a singular addition to twentieth century American artistic expression.' Clare Romano, Pratt Institute, and John Ross, Manhantanville College <P>From naming the first ever artist in residence, John Steuart Curry, to fostering the internationally renowned Tandem Press today, the University of Wisconsin Madison art faculty has been an innovator. The breakthrough aesthetics and technical innovations of its printmaking program have led the way, and the 'Madison Mafia' has spread the word to the art world for half a century. <P>Something significant happened in the printmaking field on campuses across the country following World War II, as the interest in this art form exploded and the emphasis shifted from teacher education to teaching studio arts. But the confluence of individuals and events at the University of Wisconsin Madison is unique, establishing and maintaining the UW as a major printmaking center and a formative influence on fine art prints in America for more than fifty years. <P>This book tells this story beautifully in words and pictures. The words: interviews with and about those who taught and were taught, from founding father Alfred Sessler to former student Bruce Nauman. The pictures the prints speak for themselves.
|