Keeping in mind the passion and the intimacy of print as a visual art medium, The Lalit Kala Akademi, has launched its first International Print Biennale to discover new artistic trends in printmaking, nationally and internationally. The Akademi has been serving the entire country by promoting the creative endeavours of Indian artists. Pivotal to the Lalit Kala Akademi’s mission is the encouragement of an ever-deeper understanding and enjoyment of modern and contemporary art before diverse local, national and international audiences.

The event comprising a total of 200 original prints are created by Indian and international artists of impeccable competence and is a window view into the giant strides in printmaking that is taking place in India and the world.

An exhibition Eminent Printmakers of India showcasing master Indian printmakers, will be inaugurated on Monday, March 26th, at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) by the Chief Guest Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, President, Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR). Eminent printmaker Shri Devraj Dakoji will be the Guest of Honour at the ceremony. The Administrator of Lalit Kala Akademi Sh. C.S. Krishna Setty, and the Director General of NGMA Shri Adwaita Gadanayak will preside over the ceremony.

In accordance with the overall perspective for providing an inclusive and exclusive platform, the exhibits have been arranged accordingly. For the Eminent Printmakers of India show artists were invited to send two prints of their choice as the exhibits. In the open category, artists were asked to send upto three prints which were submitted for selection before a 2-tier International Jury.

In keeping with its international makeover the biennale has elicited interest globally. The participants are from countries such as USA, UK, Sri Lanka, Italy, Mexico, China, Israel, Sweden, Lithuania, Poland, Argentina, Greece, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Mauritius. A total number of 988 entries at the national level were received of which 127 have been chosen for display. The number of entries at the international level was 137 of which 50 artists have been selected. A total of 73 artworks of international artists are on display. While, the ‘Eminent Printmakers of India’ show consists of 98 artists to be displayed at the NGMA galleries from Monday 26^th March till April 22^nd, 2018.