The Evolution of Printmaking in Assam, North-East India

Abstract or Introduction

The graphic art or printmaking was known & flourished during half of the 19th century in Assam. Earlier it was used purely for the commercial purpose. But in the early time this technique was not much discussed by the artist, writer and scholar. After "Orunodoi Era" it got more importance among the art scenario in Assam.

Printing is considered as the technique of producing multiple prints by applying ink to the mother block, with multiple prints option the maximum number of editions can be made available to mass at the same time.

The origin of the phrase, 'Graphics' has been derived from the 'Greek Graphikos' through the Latin 'Graphicus' and its stand for the writing, drawing and Art.

Printmaking is the process of making artworks by printing, usually on paper. Printmaking normally comes as only the process of creating prints with an element of originality rather than just being a photographic reproduction of the same piece which is called edition of print each piece produced is not a copy but considered as an original edition. It is not a reproduction of work of art and can be technically considered as an 'Impression'. Creating a work by taking impression from the matrix and applying pressure which is prime means of making multiple copies of a work of art or images. Aristotle, use of the word impression to speak of the mental image must have been more preceded by the existence of seals and other geographical signs and practices in ancient Greece. At the same time, unlike other art work impression, art is not a passive reflector of society but active participant in the larger historical process and social information.