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Screenprinting, also known as serigraphy or silkscreen printing, is a printmaking technique where ink is pushed through a mesh screen onto a surface, such as paper or fabric. The screen is coated with a stencil or photosensitive emulsion that blocks certain areas, allowing ink to pass through the open parts and create the desired image. Various screenprinting methods include:

Stencil Screenprinting: Involves using hand-cut or pre-made stencils to block parts of the screen, controlling where ink is applied.

Photo Screenprinting: Uses a photosensitive emulsion to create more complex, photographic, or computer-generated images on the screen.

CMYK Screenprinting: A method of layering cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks to produce full-colour images.

Difference between Photo and CMYK Screenprinting: Photo screenprinting uses a photographic process to create detailed stencils on a screen, allowing for intricate designs with fine lines and gradients. In contrast, CMYK screenprinting involves using separate screens for each of the four colors (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) to layer translucent inks and produce full-color images. While photo screenprinting excels in reproducing detailed artwork, CMYK screenprinting is designed for achieving a broad spectrum of colours through multiple passes.

Source: MoMA

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Janet Cardiff - Untitled

Janet Cardiff - Untitled