Abstract

“The Print as Righteous Image” explains how the printmaking medium encourages a radical approach to image making. The thesis asks why printmakers sometimes choose to make images that are rooted in their desire to effect cultural change. The author explains both the historic relevance of the print medium and the technical printmaking requirements that foster awareness and self-reflection which are important components for developing righteous expression. Using historic examples of foremost printmakers who rose to prominence utilizing the print medium to effect social justice, the author draws a connection with the versatile and ubiquitous print medium and why an artist may develop images of righteous expression. Given his experience as a professional printer, art activist, and executive board member of the seventy-year-old Boston Printmakers organization, the writer concludes that the process-oriented printmaking medium, when utilized by artists in a quest for social justice, often leads to the development of righteous imagery.