Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA) is a vibrant creative hub at the heart of the city, bringing communities together through a shared passion for the arts. Home to a stylish cinema, contemporary café bar, and various meeting rooms for creative groups, DCA plays a central role in uniting people of all ages through culture and expression.
At the centre of these offerings, however, lies DCA’s spectacular Print Studio, providing a space for artists to refine their craft, collaborate, and produce innovative, thought-provoking artworks.
During my recent tour of the Print Studio, I was introduced to a range of fascinating techniques and tools used in printmaking. The studio boasts an impressive collection of equipment and methods, from the ever-popular screen print to the technically demanding stone lithograph. DCA provides a physical space to create art and the freedom to experiment and make mistakes, an essential part of any artistic process.
One artist who has made full use of the Print Studio’s facilities is Lauren Gault, whose current exhibition at DCA explores the theme of censorship through the mythological figure of Echo from Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Her show also plans to include a selection of works from her residency in the Print Studio. I had the chance to see one of Gault’s stone slurry prints in person during my visit to the Print Studio, experiencing its unique texture – rough but very thin – and its reflection of light, revealing the complexity of her process and the Print Studio’s technical excellence in supporting her work.
DCA’s Print Studio also accommodates newer innovations in the art world, such as Riso Printing. This technique is a fast-paced process using soy-based inks and recycled paper to produce vibrant, layered designs. I found this technique particularly intriguing, not only because it was completely new to me, but also since it relies on advanced machinery and large ink tubes, all provided by DCA. Even better, the studio’s sustainable approach to Riso Printing makes it even more appealing: the leftover ink tubes are repurposed into decorative lamps, adding a creative twist to environmental responsibility!
What truly stands out about DCA’s Print Studio is the breadth of equipment and accessibility. It’s open not just to professional artists but to anyone keen to explore printmaking. Whether you’re hoping to try something new or develop a more advanced idea, the studio provides a supportive environment with expert technical assistance for everyone.
To make the most of the facilities, it’s worth booking ahead for inductions or specific classes. While there is often a fee for using the space, every penny is well spent as you’ll gain invaluable skills, learn from experienced printmakers, and take home your handmade creations.
Dundee Contemporary Arts is a top-tier printmaking facility which I definitely recommend to anyone intending to explore the field!