APrintmaking has assumed greater significance in the field of visual arts today, not least because the artwork can be reproduced in large numbers and the perception of contemporary ambiance of the pictures has become easier. A look at history of printmaking in Iran and the world indicates a tendency among artist to reproduce an experiment with printmaking during their artistic careers. The history of printmaking in the Far East dates back to more than a thousand years. Engraving dates as far back in history as 1466 AD, while modern serigraphy (silk-screen) has been practiced since 1907 and lithography was invented in 1781 AD.
Printmaking in Ira has its origins in Eidisazi (print with wooden casts) and calico printing of the 12th to 18th centuries AS. The first typography machine arrived in Bushehr in 1820 AD and the first lithography machine was launched by Abbas Mirza in 1834 in Tabriz.
Nevertheless, the great important of printmaking goes back to the 19th century AD, for printmaking and a determining role in the formation and continuation of Modernism by publicizing the image and updating the subject of artwork. Further, the reproductive nature of printmaking as well as its capacity to swiftly impart the critical views, thus alleviating concern of pioneers of Modernism.
The crucial point that development of industrial printing let printmaking artist to achieve artistic originality and perception. Industrial printing exerted the same effect on printmaking as photography did on painting. As photography released painting from accurate representation of the world and direct it toward painterly qualities, development of industrial printing gradually asserted the values of printmaking.
A cursory loot at works by great artists is proof for the importance of the field which warrants greater attention. As works in the show indicate, first-rate artists in late 19th and 20th centuries have created unique print work. The trend continued after the 1960s and prominent contemporary artists created a great number of artworks. Today, printmaking comprise large portion of art on paper. Various exhibition, biennials, art fair specialized in printmaking, and specialized public and private collection of printmaking publication demonstrate the breath and depth of this art form in contemporary world.

Ahmad Vakili