The Red Line
A selection of exhibits
The ACU National Gallery presented an exhibition of original prints from Open Bite Printmakers from 13 September to 1 October, 2005.
For more information about the exhibitors and exhibits, please contact Anna Warren via email.
About Open Bite Printmakers
Who are Open Bite?
Open Bite is a vital group of 30 printmakers. The group originated from Ku-ring-gai Community Art Centre but now includes members from all over Sydney. Experienced artists, teachers and competition winners are included. Members range from etchers to mixed artists, with traditional and abstract styles.
The group's first exhibition was held in March 1992 at the Balmain Watch House. It was the most successful show ever held at the Watch House and several hundred people attended the opening. The group has held shows once or twice a year since then.
Why was Open Bite formed?
There are only a few other printmaking groups in Sydney. The group was formed to share experiences, learn more about the various forms of printmaking and to exhibit as a group. As well as producing prints and holding exhibitions, the group holds field days to sketch and then produce group works (as in Luna Park/Sydney Harbour montage at our first exhibition) and also individual prints. The members attend art exhibitions and print making shows and hold relevant artistic workshops.
Why Open Bite?
A variety of reasons, but the prime one was that the group wanted to be 'open' to innovation and experimentation. 'Biting' is the corrosive action of acid on the metal plate. 'Open bite' is a particularly free-spirited technique. The zinc plate is thrown into acid after painting out the areas not to be bitten.
The shark logo is a bit of a red herring - but much more distinctive than a printing press!