SURPRISE – Die Kunst der Monotypie

The art of the monotype

The focus of the collection and unique selling point of the Städtische Galerie Wolfsburg are graphic works, many of which were created in the print workshop at Wolfsburg Castle. The exhibition project (April to August 2022) "Surprise. The Art of the Monotype" focussed on the monotype, and the book now presents this medium in its various facets with works by international artists. The monotype is an exciting combination of painting, drawing and graphic art. First used around 1640, the process experienced an unexpected triumph in the 19th century, with the Impressionists in particular exploiting the potential of this technique, which oscillates between drawing and printing, with virtuosity. The process encourages the rapid realisation of an image and effectively translates the artistic handwriting into the printed image. The book shows monotypes by numerous artists, including works by important representatives of modernism such as John Cage or Edgar Degas, works by contemporary artists such as Herbert Brandl, Shara Hughes, Mia Chaplin, Günther Förg or Gerhard Richter and many more.