Printmaking Triennial as a Parameter for The Development of Indonesian Printmaking

Abstract

The Indonesian Printmaking Triennial is a competition held in a three-year period by Bentara Budaya as the organizer. Bentara Budaya chose printmaking as the main focus in organizing this competition because its existence is seen as something important and needs to be observed considering that printmaking itself has become an important part of the development of Indonesian modern art since the 40s. The printmaking triennial has been held six times, in 2003, 2006, 2009, 2012, 2015 and most recently in 2018. The competition is open to the public, both nationally and internationally (for 2015 and 2018).

This research aims to look at the Triennial printmaking competition by Bentara Budaya as a parameter for the development of printmaking in Indonesia. By using a descriptive quantitative method by looking at the dynamics of participants, finalists and winners of the competition towards the quantification of the type of print technique and the quantity of appreciation.

This research found that relief print is a popular technique for Indonesian printmakers. Meanwhile, the lithography technique should be taken into consideration by reflecting on the last event, where all the winners from other countries used the technique when the competition was opened internationally.