Lygia Pape: Tecelares

This book explores the early woodblock prints of Lygia Papes, which profoundly influenced the trajectory of her oeuvre. It examines the foundational role these works played in her career, foreshadowing her philosophy of "magnetized space." Papes prints are composed of overlapping geometric and linear elements, displaying an extraordinary depth accentuated by her use of thin, translucent Japanese papers. The artist applied the title "Tecelares" to these works decades after their creation, capturing her unique handmade approach to printmaking. The book is lavishly illustrated and provides insights into how Papes printmaking aesthetic, materials, and process embody her core ideas about art.

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2023
Publisher: Art Institute of Chicago

One of Brazil's most renowned contemporary artists, Lygia Pape (1927-2004) was a key figure in the Neo-Concrete movement of the late 1950s, alongside artists like Lygia Clark and Hélio Oiticica. Pape delved into diverse visual languages through painting, performance, printmaking, and sculpture, often incorporating geometric elements into her work. Her art, characterized by its focus on existential, sensory, and psychological experiences, encouraged viewers to actively engage with her creations.

This comprehensive volume offers the first in-depth exploration of the experimental woodblock prints created by Pape between 1952 and 1960. It examines the pivotal role these works played in shaping the remainder of Pape's artistic career, serving as a precursor to her philosophy of "magnetized space." Comprising overlapping geometric and linear elements that evoke the imagery of atomic particles or microscopic specimens, Pape's prints display remarkable depth, accentuated by her use of exceptionally thin and translucent Japanese papers. The artist bestowed the title "Tecelares" upon these works decades after their creation, loosely translated as "weavings." This study is lavishly illustrated, providing insightful details about how Pape's printmaking aesthetic, materials, and process align with her fundamental artistic principles.

Published by the Art Institute of Chicago, this publication is part of the institution's ongoing exhibition schedule, scheduled to run from February 11 to June 5, 2023. The exhibition will provide an opportunity to witness the remarkable impact of Lygia Pape's woodblock prints on her artistic journey and the broader art world.

Weight: 1110g
Dimension: 271 x 240 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300269734