Artwork
Stringskip
Stringskip is a print by East London Printmakers. It dates from 2009 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Created in 2009 by the collective East London Printmakers, *Stringskip* is a black-and-white print composed of densely interwoven linear elements. The work is hand-signed, titled, and numbered, reflecting its status as a limited edition. Its composition avoids figurative representation, instead emphasizing texture and rhythm through abstract, overlapping strokes.
Subject & Meaning
The title *Stringskip* suggests movement or play, evoking the skipping of a rope or the flicking of a thread. The tangled mass of lines resists clear interpretation, inviting viewers to consider the physicality of mark-making rather than narrative content. The absence of defined forms shifts focus to the process and materiality of the print.
Technique & Style
Executed as an engraving, the work relies on fine, incised lines to build form through density rather than contrast. The lack of sharp edges and the absence of tonal gradation create a unified field of inked marks. The handcrafted quality is preserved through the artist’s direct intervention, typical of printmaking collectives emphasizing process over polish.
History & Provenance
Produced by East London Printmakers, a collaborative group active in the early 21st century, the print emerged from a shared studio environment focused on experimental print techniques. It is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, where it contributes to a broader documentation of contemporary British printmaking practices.
Context
This work aligns with a post-millennial trend in British printmaking that prioritizes material experimentation and collective production over individual authorship. It reflects the influence of urban environments and the tactile qualities of everyday materials, situating itself within a broader movement that values process-driven abstraction.
Legacy
*Stringskip* remains a representative example of collaborative printmaking in early 21st-century London. Its inclusion in the V&A’s collection underscores its role in documenting how artist collectives expanded the boundaries of traditional print media through improvisational mark-making and shared technical exploration.
Artist & collection
Artist
This group makes contemporary prints that tell everyday stories with sharp, colorful lines.
