What:

This is the first annual residency at ALEF Studio, conducted by printmaker Fawaz Rob. The residency will focus primarily on intaglio techniques, concentrating on the aquatint process. This residency is very special and unique because it will explore in-depth knowledge of the aquatint process using both copper and zinc plates. Besides analysing the technical aspects of the copper aquatint process, it will investigate European aquatint masters from the 18th century, as well as contemporary master printmakers in Asia.

This is quite unique. No residency on copper aquatint like this has been conducted in Bangladesh before. The knowledge gathered from this residency is invaluable.

Who:

Fawaz Rob is an internationally award-winning artist who specialises in intaglio printmaking. His specialities are aquaforte and aquatint. Fawaz Rob’s work has been exhibited in Paris, Kathmandu, Budapest, Zagreb, Nice, Istanbul, Venice, and Prague. He received his MFA from Charukala with first-class honours, an M.A. in Architecture from Florence, and a bachelor’s degree from San Francisco. He is the first Bangladeshi to be published in the California Society of Printmakers’ journal, a prestigious 112-year-old academic publication. His work is in the permanent collection of the Printmaking Museum in Guanlan, China. He is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Architecture at NSU and has taught hundreds of students the art of printmaking.

Fawaz Rob has completed residencies in Paris (Atelier de Lilas), Florence (Il Bisonte), Budapest (Print Studio), and Venice (Bottega del Tintoretto). He has tremendous experience gained through fifteen years of continuous printmaking. The idea behind this residency is to share the wealth of knowledge gathered from the West with the intaglio printmakers of Bangladesh.

When:
September 9th - 15th. Wednesday through Tuesday.

Where:
Atelier de ALEF, Purbachal.

Capacity:
A total of 2 (two) people can undertake this residency concurrently.

The residency is divided into two parts. The two parts are theoretical and practical. Fawaz Rob has one of the richest personal libraries on intaglio printmaking in Bangladesh. We will explore some important books, study significant artists, and discuss some fine examples of aquatint.

Day 1: Wednesday

• Introduction to the studio: Learn how the studio works, where important materials are kept, how to prepare the paper, and how to operate the automated aquatint machine.
• Introduction to the library: There are thousands of books on art and printmaking in the library. Since time is limited, we will concentrate on only a few selected books.
• Plan the week. Determine what we will be working on. Decide how we will execute it. Set the timeline.
• Learn how to document the printmaking process. Learn how to read the masters’ documentation.
  
  

Day 2: Thursday

• Sketch the subject and create a monochromatic watercolour. Finalise the plan.
• Look at similar works by the masters. Discuss their views and processes.
• Discuss Photoshop techniques and how AI can be used as a tool for printmaking.
• Start working on the plate. Prepare and wax the plate, and begin the etching process.
• Learn how to handle the inks.
  
  

Day 3: Friday
We take a break. No studio work. Take the plate home. Work at your own pace.

Day 4: Saturday
No studio work. Finish the etching and complete the plan for the aquatint.

Day 5: Sunday

• Take the first print of the etching. Finalise the plan for the aquatint down to the last detail.
• This is an important day, as we learn how to take various prints from the same plate.
• See original works by Rembrandt in person. Discuss Goya’s aquatint technique.
• Prepare the plate for the aquatint.
• Learn about timing, acid strength (Baumé), shade intensity, and gradation studies.

Day 6: Monday

• This is a crucial day. We start early and begin the aquatint process.
• We try to achieve 8–12 shades on one plate.
• Complete the aquatint. Take a print.
• Discuss the print. Identify the mistakes. Learn how to correct the mistakes.
• Take prints, rework the plate, make reprints, rework it again, and make further reprints.

Day 7: Tuesday

• This is the final day. We take aquatint prints.
• Experiment with “à la poupée” and take a print of a coloured aquatint.
• Finalise the documentation of the entire residency.
• Discuss future projects. Discuss modern intaglio printmaking.
• Discuss how to apply for fully funded residencies abroad. Discuss future possibilities.
• Celebrate learning a new set of techniques and gaining a new direction. Take a group photo. Enjoy a final dinner.

Process:

This is a fully funded residency. All printmaking tools, fine papers, copper plates, acid, an aquatint machine, studio space, and books to read—everything necessary to produce a print—will be provided. Lunch and snacks will be provided free of charge. A car will be provided for pick-up and drop-off at a metro station. This is indeed a great opportunity.

However, genuine commitment is necessary. This is not an optional approach. This is a full time commitment for one week (5 days in studio). Each day is dependent on the previous day’s work and each day is prequel to the next day. 100% attendance is mandatory. The residency is a dialog between professional artists. So, any kind of disagreement, experimental ideas and new approaches to intaglio art are welcome.

Who Can Apply?

This is not a tutorial course or a workshop. Rather, this is a guided residency for artists who already understand intaglio printmaking. Beginners should not apply. BFA in printmaking is expected, but not required. Grades DO NOT play any role in the selection process. Anyone who has previously worked with zinc, aluminum, or copper plates and created a work of art using the intaglio process is welcome to join. This is a guided journey for printmakers who want to develop and elevate their personal craftsmanship. Rather than acting as a teacher, Fawaz Rob will serve as an observer and guide on your own artistic journey. As Herman Hesse quoted in Siddhartha, "The true profession of a man is to find his way to himself."

How to apply?

Apply here: ALEFStudioBD@gmail.com. Write a few lines about yourself. Upload three or four intaglio art and let us know why you would like to attend this residency.