Thu Feb 26 08:31:57 UTC 2026: ### Printmaking Renaissance: Art World Embraces Traditional Techniques in the Age of AI

The Story:
A new exhibition, “Print Age: A Landmark Survey of Printmaking in the Era of AI,” at Dhoomimal Art Gallery in New Delhi, highlights a resurgence of interest in traditional printmaking techniques. Curator Johny ML and gallery director Uday Jain emphasize the enduring value of handcrafted art in a digital age. The exhibition features 156 prints by 80 artists, including modern masters like Pablo Picasso and contemporary Indian printmakers like Anupam Sud, showcasing various printmaking methods such as woodcut, lithography, and serigraphy. The show aims to demonstrate that printmaking is not merely reproductive, but a creative process with inherent artistic value.

Key Points:

  • The exhibition, “Print Age: A Landmark Survey of Printmaking in the Era of AI,” is being held at Dhoomimal Art Gallery in New Delhi until March 15, 2026.
  • The show features 156 prints by 80 artists, spanning modern masters and contemporary Indian printmakers.
  • Printmaking techniques highlighted include woodcut, linocut, lithography, serigraphy, etching, drypoint, aquatint, and viscosity printing.
  • Curator Johny ML argues that printmaking is often misunderstood as merely reproductive, emphasizing the creative and human intervention involved.
  • Senior printmaker Ananda Moy Bannerji notes a recent upswing in interest in printmaking.
  • The exhibition includes works from private and institutional collections in Baroda, Ahmedabad, and Delhi.

Critical Analysis:
The article highlights a counter-trend to the dominance of digital art and AI-generated content. The timing of this exhibition, in February 2026, suggests a growing desire for tangible, handcrafted art forms as a reaction to increasingly digital and automated creative processes. The historical context of Walter Benjamin’s 1935 essay on mechanical reproduction provides a framework for understanding this phenomenon. The fact that traditional skills are still valued is notable, in a world of technological advancement.

Key Takeaways:

  • There is a renewed appreciation for traditional art forms like printmaking in the face of increasing digitalization and AI.
  • Printmaking is being recognized not just for its reproductive capabilities, but also for its inherent artistic value and the human skill involved.
  • Limited edition prints are becoming more accessible to younger collectors and first-time buyers.
  • The show is not just an exhibition, but an educational tool, with workshops for visitors to try woodcut printmaking.

Impact Analysis:
The resurgence of interest in printmaking could lead to a greater appreciation for traditional art forms and a potential shift in the art market towards valuing handcrafted pieces. This could also inspire younger artists to explore and master these techniques, ensuring their continued relevance in the future. The accessibility of limited edition prints may democratize art ownership, allowing a wider audience to engage with and collect art.

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