The 2024 Printmaking Exhibition of Chinese and American Young Artists opened at the Zhiyuan Art Museum in Bencha ancient town, Rudong county, on June 16. It is the first international printmaking exhibition since the museum's establishment.
Featuring over 60 artworks, this exhibition showcases the latest creations from students at Michigan State University, New York University, State University of New York, and Purdue University, as well as a collection from students at William Paterson University, alongside works by 20 outstanding young Chinese printmakers. The exhibit highlights distinctive artistry in terms of techniques, materials, and concepts.
China is the global birthplace of printmaking, and the connection between printmaking and Bencha ancient town dates back to the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127), where China's earliest woodcut book was compiled by Song Boren, the then salt official of Bencha.
At the exhibition's opening ceremony, Richard J. Helldobler, president of William Paterson University, expressed confidence that this exhibition will make significant strides in advancing the artistic goals of the museum and all participating artists.
