Zurich Print Institute Launches to Preserve Printmaking Knowledge as Edition VFO Sees Graphic Art Renaissance
Founded in 2023 by Edition VFO and Steindruckerei Wolfensberger, the Zurich Print Institute (ZPI) seeks to safeguard the craft of printmaking amid a growing interest in graphic art. Director David Khalat observes that print runs have decreased to between 10 and 20 copies, with limited editions quickly selling out. ZPI provides specialized printing services and has collaborated with artist Julian Charrière. Efforts to secure funding from city and cantonal sources are currently underway. The first master student, Alexia Triantafyllou, is studying lithography under Thomi Wolfensberger while assisting Arno Hassler. Khalat emphasizes the urgency of transferring knowledge from experienced printers within the next 5 to 10 years. The Edition VFO, boasting nearly 750 members, produces 40-60 editions each year, focusing on original prints.
Key facts
- Edition VFO was founded in 1948 in Zurich and publishes 40 to 60 editions per year.
- The Zurich Print Institute (ZPI) was established in 2023 as a joint project of Edition VFO and Steindruckerei Wolfensberger.
- ZPI is located in Schlieren, west of Zurich, in a former warehouse.
- David Khalat has directed Edition VFO since 2018.
- Thomi Wolfensberger is a fourth-generation printer in his early 60s; Arno Hassler is a 70-year-old intaglio printer.
- Alexia Triantafyllou, trained in intaglio at the Thessaloniki Academy of Fine Arts, is the first master student at ZPI.
- Edition VFO has nearly 750 members and has organized exhibitions at Kunsthalle Zürich, Musée Jenisch, and Kunsthaus Grenchen.
- The ZPI is fundraising from foundations and plans to seek city and cantonal support.
Entities
Artists
- David Khalat
- Shirana Shahbazi
- Maya Rochat
- Thomi Wolfensberger
- Richard Long
- Andy Warhol
- Alois Senefelder
- Wade Guyton
- Rosa Barba
- Bethan Huws
- Renée Levi
- Nora Turato
- Jonathan Monk
- Tony Cokes
- Sol LeWitt
- Arno Hassler
- Julian Charrière
- Alexia Triantafyllou
Institutions
- Edition VFO
- Zurich Print Institute
- Steindruckerei Wolfensberger
- Kunsthalle Zürich
- Musée Jenisch
- Kunsthaus Grenchen
- Monopol
- 032c
- Gmurzynska
- Sies + Höke
- STPI
- Griffelkunst-Vereinigung
Locations
- Zurich
- Switzerland
- Schlieren
- Hamburg
- Germany
- Berlin
- Vevey
- Grenchen
- Copenhagen
- Denmark
- Paris
- France
- London
- United Kingdom
- Singapore
- Thessaloniki
- Greece