RnB

Sumi , 2013

RnB is a print by Sumi. It dates from 2013 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created in 2013 by Sumi, *RnB* is a printed work that integrates etching, aquatint, and embossing to generate a dynamic interplay of light and shadow.

Created in 2013 by Sumi, *RnB* is a printed work that integrates etching, aquatint, and embossing to generate a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. The composition features flowing white lines against a gradated grey field, evoking motion without depicting a recognizable subject. The artist’s signature, title, and edition number are present, affirming its status as a limited, hand-produced print.

Subject & Meaning

The image avoids literal representation, instead suggesting movement through abstract, undulating forms. The curves resemble fabric in motion or water rippling, inviting interpretation as an embodiment of rhythm or energy. The absence of identifiable objects shifts focus to the sensory experience of line and tone, aligning the work with non-representational traditions in modern printmaking.

Technique & Style

Sumi employs etching to define fine white lines, aquatint to achieve subtle tonal transitions, and embossing to add physical texture. The result is a surface where light appears to rise from within the paper, enhancing the illusion of depth. The controlled gradations and precise contours reflect a meticulous approach, balancing spontaneity with technical discipline.

History & Provenance

This print is part of a limited series produced by Sumi in 2013, each piece signed and numbered by the artist. While specific exhibition history is not widely documented, its technical sophistication and alignment with contemporary print practices suggest inclusion in institutional collections focused on post-2000 printmaking, such as those at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Context

Emerging from a broader trend in early 21st-century printmaking, *RnB* reflects a shift toward abstraction and material experimentation. Artists during this period increasingly moved away from narrative content, favoring sensory and tactile qualities. Sumi’s use of layered techniques aligns with a global interest in redefining print as a medium for expressive, non-representational inquiry.

Legacy

Though not widely reproduced in public discourse, *RnB* exemplifies the quiet evolution of printmaking into abstract, tactile forms. Its emphasis on process and subtle variation contributes to an ongoing dialogue about the potential of print beyond reproduction. The work remains a reference point for artists exploring the intersection of technique and perception.