A Span of Nontoxic Printmaking in Indian Contemporary Practice: Delhi, Santiniketan and Kolkata

Abstract

21^st century's nontoxic printmaking is a movement and a transformation in contemporary art practice from conventional chemistry-based methods to the eco-friendly methods. Printmakers in advanced countries, have developed many alternatives in relief print, intaglios, planography and stencil print disciplines against the hazardous methods. The movement reached India, and printmakers adopted it late due to issues with material availability. Its span was found to be very less, in the first decade of this century. Its practice in India is gradually extending. The remarkable pioneering efforts in practice of nontoxic printmaking by the printmakers, teachers, and younger generations within Indian institutions of printmaking. Departments of Graphic Art (Printmaking) as in Jamia Millia Islamia in Delhi, Visva Bharati – Santiniketan in West Bengal and Rabindra Bharati University in Kolkata, West Bengal, implemented nontoxic printmaking as a part of the study programme. A few contemporary printmakers sharing talent and experience through Practical demonstration in institutions, and exhibitions to inspire new generations to build a health safety environment for art practice.