This exhibition’s catalogue examines the history of printmaking from its commercial roots to the evolution of an independent artistic medium that, albeit using imported technology, eventually morphed from a Western-style aesthetic to one that represented indigenous narratives. The era preceding independence saw nationalistic pride pervade most practices. Post-independence saw many artists also dislocated and for some time struggling to establish their narratives.

Over time, modernist manipulation of the medium led to the emergence of some brilliant artists in both countries, who created bridges to post-modern narratives that dominate today. Contemporary practices are now concerned with using the technology to support their conceptual narratives, often with socio-political concerns or those dealing with personal issues. The narratives from both countries thus followed parallel trajectories, alternately similar and divergent.