Graphic Pull: Contemporary Prints from the Collection

Graphic Pull: Contemporary Prints from the Collection highlights numerous printmaking techniques from the Nasher Museum’s collection with works dating from the 1970s to today. Including both traditional and unconventional printing methods, the exhibition explores how contemporary artists have continued to use this age-old graphic form while also expanding on its processes and definitions. Whether pulled from a press or printed by hand, the works on view emphasize the irresistible qualities of the medium that have made it an effective means of artistic expression for millennia.

The inherent characteristics of most prints—reproducibility, general ease of distribution, and collaborative elements—make them particularly efficient at communicating ideas to large audiences. Because of this, many prints on view in Graphic Pull address issues related to current, or recurring, social and political trends and events. Recent acquisitions, prints from the collection that have never been on view, and several loans have been included for their effectiveness in conveying such issues as well as for their ability to broaden the discussion of what a print can be. Historical prints also provide valuable source material for artists considering their relevance today.

In a world that has recently changed so rapidly and profoundly, prints have played a vital role for their ability to educate, advocate, and inspire. Their graphic pull moves makers and viewers alike to participate in addressing urgent issues around the globe. Through a range of approaches, contemporary prints continue to harness the medium’s potential in powerful and innovative ways, one pull at a time.

Artists include Emma Amos, Hurvin Anderson, Kathryn Andrews, Nava Atlas, Judith F. Baca, Camille Billops, Mark Bradford, Roger Brown, Bruce Conner, David Driskell, Bill Fick, Juan Genovés, the Guerrilla Girls, David Hammons, Lubaina Himid, Sedrick Huckaby, Barbara Kruger, Pedro Lasch, Justin Matherly, Grayson Perry, Raymond Pettibon, Michelangelo Pistoletto, William Pope.L, Dmitri Prigov, Colin Quashie, The Bruce High Quality Foundation, Barthélémy Toguo, Stacy Lynn Waddell, Andy Warhol and Xu Bing, among others.

Also included in the exhibition is an installation of 63 prints by Bill Fick, assistant director for visual and studio arts at the Rubenstein Arts Center at Duke and lecturing fellow of Art, Art History & Visual Studies. Please see the video below of Bill Fick installing his work Hypnotic Skull 2 within the exhibition.

Graphic Pull: Contemporary Prints from the Collection is organized by Molly Boarati, assistant curator at the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University.

Graphic Pull: Contemporary Prints from the Collection is supported by the Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger Family Fund for Exhibitions; the Office of the Provost; and Drs. Victor and Lenore Behar. Additional in-kind support is from Speedball Art Products.