Pranamu, Life Force

Devraj Dakoji, detail of Evolution, 1995, viscosity print.

DEVRAJ DAKOJI | Pranamu, Life Force
Exhibition Dates: Sept 28 - Oct 28, 2022
Viewing by appointment only!
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Blackburn 20|20
323 W. 39th Street
5th Floor
New York, NY 10018
646.416.6226

When I first joined The Robert Blackburn Print-Making Workshop (RBPMW) as a member artist back in 2013, I entered into a diverse community of brilliant printmakers of all backgrounds and at every level of career. Many of those printmakers also taught classes at Blackburn as a way to spread their knowledge and love for the print processes.

In 2016, I had the incredible opportunity to take a lithography class from master printer Devraj Dakoji, and the work from that class is what become Catharsis. Devraj’s guidance and advice was crucial as I experimented with using Sharpie to create my images, and I will always be grateful for his patience as I lost my temper with etching that damn slab of limestone.

Born in 1944, in Dharmoj Gudam, India, Devraj’s heritage is a strong influence on his work and worldview, as we can see in bodies of work titled, Pranamu and Wheel of Life. As a printmaking, painter, and draftsman, he looks to tradition to develop a visual vernacular of animalistic and phantasmagoric imagery. Pranamu, or life force, is a concept at the heart of his work.

This show—DEVRAJ DAKOJI | Pranamu, Life Force—is a celebration of Devraj’s creative influence, and his lifetime of teaching and artmaking, through 50 years of prints and works on paper. The show include prints by Kay Walkingstick, Lee Dillon, MF Husain, Juan Sanchez, Catalina Chervin, Lenore Lim, and student's work (that’s where I come in!).

As one of Devraj’s students, a print from my Catharsis series is hanging in this show, and I couldn’t be happier or more honored to be included. Please go see the exhibition if you can!

Catharsis, Part I

Catharsis, Part I
Exhibition Dates: May 23 - June 7, 2021
Viewing by appointment only!
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Blackburn 20|20
323 W. 39th Street
5th Floor
New York, NY 10018
646.416.6226

Well, folks, it’s been quite a year. No need to get into what’s happened or how the world has changed, because the only thing that matters on this website is art. On that note… I’ve made some art! I actually finished a project! And now it’s getting a show!

Catharsis has been a serious labor of blood, swear, and tears for the past six years, and I am so excited (and relieved) that it’s finally complete. You can click on over to see the individual works and read the backstory here. I’ll also be posting images of the installation in the gallery space, and a transcript of my artist talk, so check back for those soon.

Paper Jam

Paper Jam
Exhibition Date: February 9, 2020
1-5pm ONLY!
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NYU Catholic Center
238 Thompson Street
New York, NY 10012

Organized by Erin K. McAtee, this one-day-only pop up group show features works on paper, and will also feature poetry reading and live music by local creators.

I’ll be showing new work that has yet to be formally shown: the third chapter in my long-delayed lithograph series “A Bar Crawl of DFW.” The full series will be completed this summer in time for a solo show in the fall, but now’s your chance to get a sneak peek!

Side Hustle!

Side Hustle!
Exhibition Dates: November 20 - December 18, 2019
Opening Reception: November 20, 6-8pm
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Blackburn 20|20
323 West 39th Street
5th Floor
New York, NY 10018
646.416.6226

It’s been three years since I’ve done anything art related, so I thought what better way to break the dry spell than to organize a group show!

Side Hustle is a celebration of non-print artwork made by the printmakers who, through volunteering their time as monitors/interns/shop techs, allow the Robert Blackburn Printmaking Workshop to operate year after year as a non-profit community printshop. As printmakers working in a printshop, we often only discuss or have opportunities to show our print-based work. This show aims to recognize our “side hustles” as most of us also create art in other media.

I will be showing a hand-sewn (no machine) dirndl that I conceptualized and sewed during my artist residency at the Grünewald Guild in 2013. Since I work primarily in printmaking, this is the first opportunity I’ve had to show this piece that took a month of full-time work to create.

Blackburn 20|20 Gallery is open by request Tuesday-Friday 10am to 10pm, and Saturday-Sunday 10am to 6pm. To view the show, you must ask for assistance at the Robert Blackburn Printmaking Workshop the 2nd floor.

The opening reception will feature wine, beer, non-alcoholic beverages, and light food.

2016 RBPMW Members Show

2016 RBPMW Members Show
Exhibition Dates: October 5 - 23, 2016
Opening Reception: October 5, 6-8pm
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Blackburn 20|20
323 West 39th Street
5th Floor
New York, NY 10018
646.416.6226

Every fall, the Robert Blackburn Printmaking Workshop (RBPMW) exhibits work recently created in its studios. The call is open to all of its over 500 members, and those who choose to submit find their prints in excellent company. Printmakers of all ages, ethnicities, professional experience, and media, contribute to the show, and the result is a feast for the eyes and mind.

My newest print, “A Bar Crawl at DFW: Chapter I,” will be on display. It is a stone lithograph with hand-coloring. My print, as well as many others in the show, will be available for purchase for the duration of the exhibit.

Blackburn 20|20 Gallery is open by request Tuesday-Friday 10am to 10pm, and Saturday-Sunday 10am to 6pm. To view the show, you must ask for assistance at the Robert Blackburn Printmaking Workshop the 2nd floor.

The opening reception will feature wine, beer, non-alcoholic beverages, and light snacks.