Journey Through an Exhibition
A Printmaker’s Journey
Participating in exhibitions has always been one of the most fulfilling parts of my artistic journey. Over the years, I’ve taken part in several national and international group exhibitions, and each one has taught me something new—not only about art but also about myself. This particular exhibition remains close to my heart, as it allowed me to share my printmaking practice with a wider audience and connect with artists from around the world.
When I was first invited to participate, I felt a blend of excitement and anticipation. The exhibition’s theme revolved around “Connection and Fragmentation,” which instantly resonated with me. As a printmaker, I often explore the tension between precision and spontaneity, repetition and individuality. Printmaking itself—its layers, textures, and processes—felt like a perfect metaphor for the exhibition’s concept. Each print begins with a matrix, a surface that carries traces of effort, mistakes, and revisions, much like human experience.
The preparation was intense but deeply rewarding. Printmaking requires patience and rhythm; it’s as much about process as it is about result. From carving and etching to inking and pressing, each stage demands mindfulness. I decided to create a series of prints using a combination of linocut and monotype techniques. Through layered forms and muted tones, I aimed to express how fragments of memory and emotion can come together to form a sense of belonging. There’s something poetic about watching an image emerge from the press—slightly unpredictable, yet full of life.
Standing in the gallery on opening day was both nerve-wracking and exhilarating. Seeing my prints framed and illuminated under the soft light gave them a new presence, a new voice. What had once been confined to my studio now existed in dialogue with viewers and fellow artists. I’ve always felt that printmaking, though often rooted in repetition, becomes unique in the context of an exhibition—each print speaking to people in different ways.
Group exhibitions, especially international ones, are a celebration of diversity and shared curiosity. I was inspired by the range of interpretations artists brought to the theme—painters, sculptors, photographers, and other printmakers alike. The conversations that followed were enriching and reminded me that art is not created in isolation. It grows through interaction, exchange, and empathy.
People often ask why artists participate in exhibitions. For me, it’s not just about visibility or recognition—it’s about connection. Art, especially printmaking, has a quiet voice. It invites people to look closer, to notice the subtleties of texture and line. Exhibiting allows that voice to be heard. It transforms a personal process into a shared experience.
As the exhibition came to an end, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Every print, every conversation, every moment spent among creative minds reaffirmed why I make art in the first place—to communicate, to connect, and to continue exploring the world through the language of marks and impressions.
Each exhibition is a reminder that art, like printmaking, is an act of layering—of experiences, emotions, and ideas—pressed together to create something lasting and true.