Cryptic, Layered Prints by Jess Richter


A print work with two human figures obscured by patternFrom Fairy Tales to Barns and Storms, silk screen with hand tinting

Today we’re looking at the work of featured artist Jess Richter! Jess is a printmaker working primarily in silkscreen and intaglio, exploring Eastern European heritage and the events of WWII. Her works used layered patterns and images to create a cryptic feeling.  

 

A gallery screen capture from Jess Richter's art websiteJess' gallery of works from Displaced

 

Many of these cryptic, layered prints have a vintage feel, particularly where Jess uses gold or silver leafing, and hand tinting to lend an aged effect to the existing print. The basis for many of her prints seem to be old photographs, in particular photographs of her grandparents. The way she obscures these images with printing techniques and embellishments adds to their mystery and appeal.

 

A silkscreen print with patterns and a horse silhouetteIn the Bleak Midwinter, UB silkscreen, ink

In her Displaced series, Jess uses horses as a recurring motif, often obscured by pattern and other sketched elements. The artist’s titles are long and mysterious, and could be song lyrics, or bits of prose or poetry.

 

A print image collaged with an old photo of children playing with their fatherYou've Got a Place Called Home November 1958, UV silkscreen, silver leaf, varnish, acrylic paint

Written by: Dallas Jeffs
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