22-297 Pepino 1970s Silkscreen Print

An undated Mid-Century Modern abstract serigraph signed Pepino. This limited edition silkscreen print is in fine condition with bright, solid colors. Signed and marked with the edition number. Pepino was a New Jersey artist who printed this under the supervision of the surrealist Leo Russell at his atelier. Russell was a NY/NJ artist and educator. Russell began his career as a teacher in the 1940s Works Progress Administration (WPA). Russell has work in the permanent collection of the Guggenheim. Silkscreen printing is done by applying a stencil to a fine mesh screen, adding ink, then applying pressure to squeegee the ink through the mesh onto the paper. The stencil can be hand cut, photographic emulsion, or painted directly onto the screen. These prints have lush, thick, opaque ink—often in very bright colors. Each color is applied individually. Artists will often number these prints in editions. It takes years to perfect the technique.