Innovation News

For a quick overview on archival quality prints, take a look at our FAQ page. There are many terms used to describe the archival quality of inkjet papers and every artist wants their work to stand the test of time. The problem is that there are many contributing factors when considering the archival quality of an image printed on inkjet fine art paper. The first thing to consider is the paper itself The term acid free has long been associated with archival quality when it comes to paper, but historically this terminology has only applied to the base paper without any type of coating applied. The base material should be manufactured using pure alpha cellulose fibre, pure cotton fibre or a combination of these two materials. This will ensure that the paper base is pH 7 or above (acid free). A paper that contains lignin cannot be acid free as lignin is a naturally occurring acid within plant fibres. It is the lignin content in newsprint paper which causes it to yellow and go brittle over time. For inkjet papers the coating must also be considered in combination with the base materials. The coating is applied to the surface of the paper base to ensure that the ink is absorbed just the right amount. Once a coating is applied, the pH value (acidity) of the entire paper changes. The only way for this to be addressed is for manufacturers to ensure that the coatings used on their papers are as close to acid neutral as possible and to supply the pH value of the total paper (base and coating) rather than just the base. The second thing to consider is how the image is printed [...]

It’s not long to wait until the other season but first we get to enjoy all the art fairs that October has to offer…it may even be an opportunity to pick up some great gifts for the loved ones in your life. Art is not limited to London: it’s everywhere, and so are art fairs, take a look at the top ten that caught our eye in the list below. If you want to build your own list, take a look at the Art Fair Service or Artforum calendars. STROKE, 4th-8th October, Munich Promoting ‘a fresh new approach on art, design and the urban lifestyle’. STROKE aims to fight the separation between ‘high’ and ‘low’ art by celebrating the creative influence of art, design, music or fashion on each other. Artist will be present throughout the fair where visitors can watch them work on murals, within exhibition booths and sketching on paper. The Other Art Fair, 5th-8th October, London All about artists representing themselves and selling their own work, The Other Art Fair is presented by Saatchi Art. Each contemporary artist at the show has been chosen by a committee of art industry experts, artworks to suit for all budgets will be available to purchase directly form the artists. Supporting the programme of exhibitors will be a program of events including guest artist appearances,, interactive theatre performances and live music. Moniker Art Fair, 5th-8th October, London Returning for its 8th edition Moniker celebrates urban contemporary art, bringing together international artists, galleries, collectors and art lovers. If you live in an E1, E2, EC1, EC2 or N1 postcode area, make sure to take proof of address and you can get a free print by Mr. Frivolous [...]

Back in April Month of Photography Los Angeles was in full swing. As part of that The Robert Graham Studio played host to AFTERMATH, a group exhibition including photographs by Jim McHugh. When it came time for Jim McHugh to remove the installation from The Robert Graham Studios, Wayne Connelly (USA Director, Innova Art) paid a visit to catch up with Jim, hear more about the project and see what Jim’s plans are for the future. AFTERMATH was a commemoration of Robert Graham’s project MOCA Torso and featured photography, painting and sculpture. In the aftermath of the 1992 Los Angeles riots, many in the city felt the need to do something. The MOCA Torso project was created by Robert Graham in response to this, reaching out to the endangered youth of Los Angeles and teaching them how to make art: encouraging them to redirect their energy into something creative and productive. Under his guidance the artists were trained in the art of bronze sculpture, created a series of small bronze works and all the proceeds from sales went to the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles. The resulting body of work remains one of the most iconic works by Robert Graham and became a symbol of possibility for many. Juan Carlos Munoz aka “Heaven” was one of the artists included in the MOCA Torso project and Jim McHugh photographed the project throughout 1992 for various publications. Since then Juan Carlos Munoz has gone on to build his own internationally recognised art career as a painter and sculptor, he was also one of the graffiti artists featured in Jim McHugh’s most recent project. AFTERMATH commemorated the meeting of these artists who first crossed paths in [...]

It is now officially the school holidays for many children and it is also the time of year where many adults plan to take a break from working life as well. If you are stuck for things to do this summer, why not take a stroll around one of London’s current exhibitions? See below for the top exhibitions on our ‘to visit’ list this summer. All of these exhibitions will be closing soon, plan your visit today so you don’t miss out!   Children’s Commission; Edwina Ashton: In the winter hours Every summer the Project Galleries at Whitechapel Gallery in Whitechapel High Street are transformed into spaces especially for children. With the aim of encouraging the younger generation to explore and discover artwork on their own terms, this is designed to be an environment where families can enjoy art together. Edwina Ashton creates films, drawings and sculptures inspired by 19th Century novels and natural history illustrations: creating a cast of imaginary characters from sketches, overheard conversations and experiments with second hand materials. A fascination with how animals think and how language shapes our world, Ashton creates stories to explore human emotions and world-views. Edwina Ashton: In the winter hours is free to visit, click here for opening hours. Closes: 14.08.2016, Nearest Tube Station: Aldgate East   Celebrating Charlotte Brontë: 1816-1855 The National Portrait Gallery in St Martin’s Place houses the most extensive collection of portraits in the world. Founded with an aim to “promote the appreciation and understanding of the men and women who have made and are making British history and culture,” the gallery has temporarily dedicated Room 24 to one of the most celebrated authors of the 19th Century. In celebration of the [...]