2013 Guanlan International Print Biennial Preface

Guanlan International Print Biennial is a regular international exhibition and academic exchange project which is co-sponsored by the China Artists Association, the Shenzhen Federation of Literary and Art Circles, Longhua New District Management Committee and Bao’an District People's Government. It is held once every two years and the frist one was held in 2007.

The 2013 Guanlan International Print Biennial attained an enthusiastic participation of a large number of artists around the world. The total number of entries received was 3965 by 2667 artists from 80 countries and regions. The candidates’ work has increased both in quantity and quality over the previous three biennials so that now we have a true representation of great world and Chinese printmaking. By careful evaluation and voting, the jury, composed of the authoritative print artists and experts from China, France, Belgium and Poland, finally selected 845 nominee works, among which 285 entries were selected for the exhibition. 15 works were awarded “Guanlan Print Prize”. The biennial embodies a contemporary view of the   international graphic art world in the past two years. It's gratifying that many young artists’ works were selected or awarded in this biennial.

With the support of the printmakers of the world and after four biennials’ developments, the scale and impact of Guanlan International Print Biennial is expanding, and has become a leading international event of printmaking. In this process, the biennial has always stood in the forefront of the development of the international art prints, firmly grasping the pulse of the times, in the efforts to explore innovation. Over the previous biennials, the curatorial system has gradually perfected and now the participating artists feel that this event is well managed and this played a crucial role to increase the academic impact of the exhibition. As the thematic exhibition of the biennial, “Straight to the Point - Directness Research in Printmaking Creation” will be held to further enhance the quality and expand the influence.

All the works hanging in front of you are full of deep feeling, they highlights the artists’ unique artistic concepts and superb technique, reflecting their concerns and interests. May you enjoy these masterpiece and experience the charm of printmaking and joy of sharing art.