Sunglasses - Landing Net - Triangle 1974

James Rosenquist made this print, "Sunglasses - Landing Net - Triangle," using lithography and etching. These are traditional printmaking techniques, each involving its own choreography of hand and machine. The lithographic process involves drawing an image on a stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon, then treating the surface so that ink adheres only to the drawn areas. Etching employs acid to bite into a metal plate, creating lines and textures that hold ink. The printmaking processes are direct and physical; they involve careful manipulation of materials and equipment to achieve the desired effects. Rosenquist's choice of printmaking aligns with his interest in mass production and popular imagery. The layering of images, each with its own texture and depth, echoes the superimposition of billboards and advertising materials. Rosenquist prompts us to consider the labor involved in both art and industry. This prompts us to reconsider traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, inviting viewers to appreciate the skill and ingenuity required to bring such works into being.