Everything You Always Wanted to Know

Having seen a lot of indifferent photogravure prints over the years, we were pleased to see that someone has written a book which covers not only the technical aspects of photogravure, but also theoretical/philosophical issues. This may be the definitive book on photogravure, and might even help artists who work in the medium to broaden their horizons and refine their techniques.

Swedish printmaker and researcher, Jan Pettersson, has taken a scientific approach to his new book, Photogravure an Archaeological Research. The book is published in English by the Bergen National Academy of the Arts (Kunsthøgskolen i Bergen) www.khib.no, and comes with a DVD instruction video. The Bergen Academy website features more information on the book here.

The True Lasse, Block of Nine Variations
by Jan Pettersson

One of the aims of the Bergen National Academy of the Arts is to
focus on artistic research and development. With this in mind, they have established a program to encourage and investigate research practices in the field of fine art, design and applied art.

Photogravure an Archaeological Research deals with the essential definition of what "real photogravure" is. The question of what the 'real photograph' is in relation to photogravure is also a topic that is addressed. One of the author's goals with this book is to think analytically on different levels about problems within this medium. He discusses historical aspects of the medium as well as the
contemporary context, and puts forward examples to pinpoint and analyze differences. The author examines traditional technical aspects, as well as new technical developments that are grounded in the research. Together with the book there is a DVD
instruction video that shows the technical aspects of the process
from start to finish.

Content Organized into Six Chapters

Chapter I: Trying to define 'photogravure': Theoretical reflections
and historical aspects.

Chapter II: General introduction to the photogravure method

Chapter III: The basic photogravure method, step by step

Chapter IV: Development and research in photogravure

Chapter V: Four-colour photogravure research

Chapter VI: Development and research in colour photogravure:
analogue and digitally produced 4-colour, hexachrome and b&w prints

Photogravure an Archaeological Research, ISBN 82-8013-059-4 is available from two places at a price of NOK 300 or SEK 350 (about $57 or 39 euros):

Bokverksta'n Törngatan 4 703 63 ÖREBRO,Tel: 019-120110,Fax 019-120156,e-mail: info@bokverkstan.se

Bergen National Academy of the Arts (Kunsthøgskolen i Bergen)
Contact person Astrid Wollertsen, email Astrid.Wollertsen@khib.no