What is linography?

Linography is a printmaking technique in which a design is cut into a flat surface, typically a linoleum block, with a sharp knife or gouge. The areas that are not carved away will be printed, creating a relief image.

Linography was first developed as a cheap and easy alternative to wood engraving in the early 20th century. It quickly gained popularity as a medium for artists and illustrators, as it allowed for bold, graphic images with a distinctive, textured quality.

Linography is still widely used today, especially in the creation of greeting cards, posters, and book illustrations. It is also a popular technique for teaching art, as it is relatively simple and can produce striking results with minimal equipment.

In recent years, linography has also become popular among street artists and printmakers, who use it to create large-scale murals and public art projects. It has even been used in architectural design, with linocut façades becoming an increasingly common feature in contemporary buildings.

Overall, linography represents a versatile and accessible medium that has had a lasting impact on the world of art and design.