Printmaking Unpacked: A Fresh Look at Hybrid Art
Exhibition: Matrix Multiplied
Venue: Oceanside Museum of Art, Oceanside, CA
Opening Date: 2024‑04‑01
Closing Date: 2024‑08‑02
About the Curator
Danielle Deery, a seasoned printmaker and educator, turned her long‑standing passion for printmaking into this dynamic show.
- Teaching Roots: Began screen‑printing instruction in Encinitas, 2024.
- Curatorial Journey: Led exhibitions at Oceanside since 2009; launched an independent curatorial practice in 2014.
- Collaboration: The museum’s support for regional stories and its director’s print shop experience in New York made it the ideal partner.
Concept & Vision
Deery sought to spotlight Southern California’s blend of traditional and contemporary print techniques. By engaging artists from Tijuana, San Diego, Los Angeles, community colleges, universities, and print societies, she assembled a diverse roster that illustrates:
- Traditional methods: relief, intaglio, screen‑printing.
- Digital tools: laser cutting, computer‑generated patterns.
- Cross‑disciplinary media: collage, drawing, sculpture, fiber arts.
The goal is to make printmaking appear approachable, experimental, and full of possibilities.
Exhibition Highlights
- 18 works displayed across a dedicated wall showcasing the “matrices” (transfer surfaces).
- Interactive element: A hide‑and‑seek activity teaches visitors about substrates and techniques.
- Featured artists:
- Frol Boundin
- Michelle Burgess
- Yvette Roman
- Chris Lahti
- Chris Padilla
Each piece merges multiple layers and dimensions, challenging conventional notions of printmaking.
Visitor Experience
- Hands‑on learning: Visitors engage with the wall’s interactive component.
- Artist interaction: Artists observe and discuss their work in situ, offering insights into technical challenges like plate setup and image refinement.
- Community impact: The exhibition demonstrates how printmaking can be a collaborative, accessible art form.
Closing Thoughts
Seeing the gallery complete was Deery’s most rewarding moment. The exhibition not only celebrates regional talent but also invites audiences to explore the evolving landscape of printmaking, proving that its creative potential is limitless.
