Goro intrigues in black and white

The new exhibition featuring pre-eminent intaglio printmaker Micheal Goro in the Eide/Dalrymple Gallery makes up for what it lacks in color with contrast and intrigue.

Entitled "Juxtapositions: Prints by Michael Goro," the exhibit includes prints depicting urban environments alongside architectural drawings and images from Old Masters, such as "The Birth Of Venus" by Sandro Botticelli.

"I find that black-and-white prints convey contradictory images better than any other medium by reducing them to the most basic color contrast," Goro said in his artist's statement.

The technical medium of printmaking involves transferring drawings to etchings on large-scale copper plates, which are then used to transfer an image back to paper.

"There is a physical, almost sculptural treatment of the plates," art professor Lindsay Twa said.

To create his prints, Goro combines a controlled mastery with his experience and some aggressive plate treatment, which allows for unexpected marks to enhance his work.

"My art is a continuous creative search for raw authenticity in urban environments and human forms that are constantly changing," Goro said in his artist's statement.

While on campus for the Gallery opening on Friday, Feb. 11, Goro conducted workshops with both a printmaking and drawing class.

During the sessions, students learned more about Goro's distinctive style and his process of printmaking.

"We were able to see what his works in progress looks like, and how much they change," senior Kayla Hathaway said. "He did a wonderful job explaining to us all of the changes that happen in an piece before it is finally finished."

Interaction with an internationally-known artist such as Goro allows students to gain unique insights into the art form.

"What will stick with me the most are his three rules to make a good print," Hathaway said. "First, the print needs to be technically impeccable, and then the ideas behind it need to be intelligent and sincere. Most importantly, the print needs to have passion and energy behind it. Without that you cannot make great artwork."

The high-quality prints on display offer a direct look at the texture and complexity of Goro's prints.

"This type of artwork can't be understood only through reproductions," Twa said. "It really needs to be viewed in person."

Through this exhibit, students and staff alike can observe the results of dedication to, and the mastery of, an art form.

"The layer of depth and different dark tonalities on top of the imagery in very provocative," Twa said.

Goro is currently based in Chicago. He serves as the Program Chair of the Visual Communications Program at the American Academy of Art. His artist residencies have most recently taken him to China, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Luxembourg and France.

The artist selection process is a complicated discussion involving the entire art department.

"We look to exhibit artists from a range of mediums, geographic locations and stages in their careers in each academic year," Twa said.

The exhibit is on display through Saturday, March 5. It is free and open to the public.