Definitions for "Screenprints"
Screenprinting evolved out of the stencil process used by Chinese and Japanese artists centuries ago. Modern screenprinting is a 20th century development which employs a gauzy, open mesh fabric (originally silk), stretched over a wood or metal frame which is called the screen. There are various methods of preparing the screen for printing. Typically, areas of the screen which are not to be printed are blocked out, leaving open only those areas where the image is to appear. Ink is forced through the open mesh onto the paper by drawing a rubber blade or squeegee across the screen thereby creating the image. Each colour is printed separately and requires a different screen. Most Aboriginal artists who work with the screenprinting process use clear acetate sheets, from which the printmaker cuts the stencils to be used in the printing process. Screenprints can also be referred to as serigraphs or silkscreen prints.