RELIEF
In Person and Online
FEBRUARY 27–APRIL 4, 2021
FEATURING:
Daniella Napolitano (AR), Heather O’Hara (PA), Johanna Mueller [CO],
Juan Esparza (MD), Jun Lee (VA), Kill Joy (TX), Lili Arnold (CA),
Lilibet Wenge (MD), Melissa Harshman (GA), Nick Martinez (CA),
Nicole Parker (MD),Rob Lindsay (VA), Santo Press (AZ),
Tugboat Printshop (PA).
An exciting group of local and national printmakers have been assembled to share relief prints full of joy, fun, and beauty. RELIEF is a show of meticulously crafted prints that evoke escapism. The show’s title is an intentional word play on the style of work and also what the exhibit hopes to provide during a period of extreme stress and anxiety.
“These prints are expertly executed, well planned, and original. The mark making techniques and craftsmanship is superb. I have been admiring the work of several of these artists for years, and having a group show with local and national talents together at Pyramid is an honor”
—Gretchen Schermerhorn, Artistic Director
While the exhibition is focused on relief printmaking, the works vary widely. The scale ranges from the notecard-sized block print Party Coyote by Heather O’Hara to the 43 x 30” reduction woodcut Whisper and Wait by Jun Lee. The techniques are diverse as well and include linoblock prints from Nick Martinez, Vandercook-printed work from Heather O’Hara, hybrid digital/analog prints by Santo Press, and relief reduction prints (aka “suicide” printmaking) from Robert Lindsay. Additionally, installation is varied, from traditionally framed and matted works to the more free-form installations of Melissa Harshman and Daniella Napolitano. While RELIEF is full of beauty and levity, do not mistake the work for fluff; the approach is quite serious. remarks Artistic Director Gretchen Schermerhorn.
