Second Sight
Printmaking in Chicago, 1935-1995
📘 About This Book
This informative book discusses the originality of the print as an art form, and questions the seminal role of the print in order to understand the movements and discourse on the arts in the past decades. In illuminating essays, three Chicago art scholars assess the open, cooperative style that makes Chicago printmaking unique, and consider the history of printmaking in Chicago in the context of the WPA, as well as the WPA's facilitation of interest in, and production of prints, and in its setting the stage for the evolution of contemporary print workshops. Includes 207 color and b/w illustrations.
📖 Summary
Second Sight, edited by James Yood and published in 1996, offers a profound and illuminating exploration of the print as a distinct and original art form. Spanning 232 pages, this thoughtful volume challenges conventional art-historical narratives by questioning the traditional, seminal role often assigned exclusively to unique paintings or sculptures, thereby reframing how we understand broader movements and critical discourses within the arts over past decades. Through a collection of insightful essays written by three distinguished Chicago art scholars, the book delves into the vibrant, open, and deeply cooperative style that has historically made Chicago printmaking entirely unique within the American landscape. The authors carefully trace the historical trajectory of printmaking in the city, paying special attention to the profound context of the Works Progress Administration during the mid-twentieth century. The WPA played a transformative role in facilitating a widespread public interest in print production, democratizing both the creation and consumption of art, and ultimately setting the crucial stage for the evolution of contemporary print workshops that followed. By examining how collaborative environments foster creative breakthroughs, Second Sight illuminates the social and collective dimensions of artistic production that are frequently overlooked in standard art histories. To complement its rigorous academic analysis and engaging prose, the book includes an impressive visual archive featuring 207 color and black-and-white illustrations. These carefully curated images provide readers with tangible examples of the technical mastery, stylistic diversity, and collaborative spirit that define the Chicago printmaking tradition. Ultimately, Second Sight serves as both a historical excavation and a critical reassessment, inviting art enthusiasts, historians, and practitioners alike to look again at the vital, multifaceted world of prints and the communities that build them.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Provides a comprehensive look at the originality of prints as an art form.
Offers illuminating essays by knowledgeable Chicago art scholars.
Features 207 rich color and black-and-white illustrations.
Connects local art history to broader national movements like the WPA.
⚠️ Cons
Focuses heavily on a specific geographic region, which may limit broader national scope.
Academic tone may occasionally feel specialized for casual readers.
❓ FAQ
Who is the author of Second Sight? +
The book was edited and discussed in essays coordinated by James Yood, featuring contributions from three Chicago art scholars.
When was Second Sight published? +
It was published in 1996.
How many pages does the book contain? +
The book spans 232 pages.
What historical era is heavily emphasized in the text? +
The book heavily emphasizes the context of the WPA and its impact on printmaking and public art appreciation.
Does the book include visual illustrations? +
Yes, it includes 207 color and black-and-white illustrations to support its essays.
