New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts presents a printmaking exhibition in celebration of their newly launched printmaking program. The exhibition compiles the work of famed artist Jim Steg - with a concentration on his abstract studies - juxtaposed with the work of several New Orleans contemporary printmakers who are each exploring their own vision through one of the oldest mediums of production.

Printmaking in NOLA features Wayne Amadee, Tish Douzart, Jono Goodman, Ken Nahan, Sarah Nelson, Frances Swigart, and Meg Turner, with an entire gallery dedicated to the abstract studies of Jim Steg. Curated by NOAFA Director Andrew J. Rodgers, the exhibition serves as an exploration of and introduction to the medium of printmaking at the Academy.

Jim Steg: Abstractions features prints created by Steg in the 1970’s. The works display a range of printmaking techniques from soft ground and photo resist etchings to marbling, monoprints, multi-plate prints, and even hand-sewing. Many of the images evoke astral planes, and the orb is a recurring presence in his works of that era. In Jim’s own words:

“The printmaker… has a basic empathy for surface and texture. His reaction and interaction with the materials is perhaps more visceral than cerebral, often resulting in a sensual vitality. The hand-made, hand-pulled print is a defiance of the machine – an anachronism with the aura of intimacy.”

Opening reception:
Saturday, September 17, 5-7pm
On view through Oct 1

Gallery hours:
Mon - Sat 10am-4pm
Tue - Thur 6-9pm

The Academy Gallery
New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts
5256 Magazine Street
New Orleans, LA 70115