Multiple Impressions_Mark Dion Exhibition

Maria Arambula

Having known nothing about printmaking if found the Multiple Impressions show to be absolutely fascinating. The show had a range of different images that to me brought up many different emotions.

The image of the mans face was one of my favorite pieces; it is printed like a photograph and has a sepia tone to it. The part I respected the most about this piece is that in the forehead of the man when looked at closely one can see the wood grain left on the print. It also reminded me a lot of where I am from which I found interesting because it is worlds apart. The urbanity look of the man’s face resonated with me. The piece is so simple yet powerful at the same time.

Wen Mujiang
Faces No. 2 (Self-portrait), 2008, woodcut printed with oil-based inks, Collection of the artist

The picture of the hills in the fall time absolutely blew my mind away. I could not believe to get something that lifelike into print was even possible. The detail that needed to be paid attention to is phenomenal. The rocks look so life like I could not fathom the strife that took to do. The grass in the front of the print looks as if it is blowing in the wind.

Li Yanpeng
Bright Autumn, 2009, reduction woodcut printed with oil-based inks, Collection of the artist

I love to work with watercolors so I thought that all the water-soluble prints were awesome. I feel that I like this picture of the rocks the most because it is very abstract. When painting with watercolor this too often happens. The random scribbles of black across the print make it seem as if it was painted.

Fang Limin 
Climbing, 2008, multi-block woodcut printed with water-soluble inks, Collection of the artist

In comparison of the two shows I found that since Multiple Impressions was shown in a museum there a very serious reception of the images the viewer is looking at. The stereotype and critique of the piece is clearer. Whereas, Mark Dion’s exhibition is very informal yet can be critiqued highly as well. It is informal because one is invited to sit down and wait but there was almost a feeling of agitation in this exhibit compared to the calmness of UMMA. I feel the audience more correctly received the way the viewers received the artwork of Multiple Impressions than that of Mark Dion’s. Though, the anticipation wasn’t there from Mark’s show because I already knew what was in the next room. However, my roommate that came with me to the show was very upset and thought it was more “a waste of time than art.” I feel like the reception Mark was going for could have been missed due to the waiting period but who really is to judge that than Mark himself. I now see that the placement and everything about the piece and instillation is very important to how the messag