Phan Quan Dung, M.A.
Dean of Faculty of Arts and Design, Van Lang University
HOW THE ART OF PRINTMAKING WILL DEVELOP
Printmaking has been long-established in the history of Vietnam. In the Lý Dynasty (1009 – 1225), there were Tripitaka (Buddhist scriptures) carved onto wooden printing blocks. In 1396, Hồ Quý Ly issued paper currency printed with words and images. From the 16th to the 19th century, printmaking was practiced by folk woodcut painting villages, including Đông Hồ Painting, Hàng Trống Painting, Kim Hoàng Painting, Làng Sinh Painting, etc. In 1925, the foundation of the École Supérieure des Beaux Arts de l’Indochine (Indochina School of Fine Arts) marked a turning point, and printmaking transformed from folk painting to artistic printmaking. In the 20th and the 21st century, digital technology bloomed in all over the world, affecting all areas of the economy, society and human life. Printmaking techniques have also gradually changed from manual to machine-based. Technology has played a role in supporting the development of Fine Arts and Applied Arts. The art of printmaking in Vietnam also achieved certain achievements, contributing many valuable artworks to the country’s arts.
The advancement of technology and the variety of new materials have made an effect on the transformation of printmaking, and therefore printmaking techniques have changed to enhance performance. Different trends in printmaking techniques have emerged, from purely by hands with the help of basic tools to highly technological with the help of modern machines. This inevitably leads to concerns of the professionals: how will printmaking develop in the future? Accordingly, the Faculty of Arts & Design of Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Association and the Ho Chi Minh City University of Fine Arts co-organize the International Workshop and Conference “GRAPHIC ART 2021” to discuss the developmental trends of printmaking, from traditional techniques to new technologies and how they affect the environment and people in the future. From the perspective of Vietnamese and international artists, we will find our own creative path.
Ho Chi Minh City, April 20, 2021