*Russell Janis Studio, Williamsburg October 2021*

Almost enlightenment

The Almost Enlightenment prints fall within my long-standing investigation of culturally inspired patterns. These historically-researched crowns explore larger issues of nefarious political power, decorative arts, and cultural migration. The monoprints source imagery from Royal Flush, previously made large-scale, black porcelain crowns at my Greenwich House Pottery Residency..

Defying the more common, painterly approach to monoprints, the Almost Enlightenment series emanates a physicality drawn from my early background as a sculptor. Hand cut mylar templates of crowns and tiaras formed the printing matrixes. They were sent through the press multiple times to build up layers; “ghosts” of remaining ink from previous printings were used to develop subtle tones and textures. The repeated printing of templates, both positively and as silhouettes, results in nuanced surfaces reminiscent of textured etchings and aquatints.

each work: Paper and Mylar relief Monoprint on Rives BFK paper 30” x 22”