Engravist Istanbul Ex-libris Engraving Workshop

Abstract

With the discourse of Prof. Hasip Pektaş, name of whom we often hear in our country for his efforts to introduce and spread Ex-libris art; “Ex-libris is deed of the book”. These small scale works, which have gone through many changes/transformations both in the meaning and technical aspect as of BC. 1400’s until today, have made quite a name in recent years and attract even the attention of non-field people with international contest and collecting field. In this context, a workshop of the International Engravist Istanbul Gravure Workshops Event which was performed in Yıldız Technical University in 2017, was allocated to Prof. Hasip Pektaş and his Ex-libris works. General theme of this workshop, which has the characteristics to be the first in its field, is based on “Istanbul Engravings”. In the Ex-libris workshop performed in Yildiz Technical University Art and Design Faculty Engravist Atelier, the participants applied their designs with the linoleum printing technique. As a result of the event, all the works arising as a result of engravist events which opened their doors to students and young academicians whether or not knowing how to print from all over Turkey and start with the slogan “Gravure 40 Days 40 Nights”, were brought together with audiences through a mixed exhibition. 

As one of the participants of this workshop which took place in 2017, I had an interactive training week covering the application dimension of the technique as well as information on the historical development and use of Ex-libris art. In this context; this work has its basic purpose of documenting the workshop process and sharing its achievements. The study is quite meaningful in terms of the increase of interest in Ex-libris in our country and the reflection of cultural values on artistic practices.