What possibilities does lithography offer when it ceases to be merely a means of reproduction and becomes a tool for personal artistic expression? This is precisely the question that the third annual international lithography symposium Livingstone will explore.

This year’s edition is subtitled From Reproduction to Expression and focuses on lithography as a distinct visual art medium that, in addition to its traditional reproductive function, offers space for the artist’s creative gesture, experimentation, and large-format work. From June 28 to July 2, artists and experts from the Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, and Belgium will gather at the Grafika studio to share experiences, foster creative dialogue, and explore new possibilities in contemporary lithography.

The international character of the symposium builds on the long-standing professional ties Grafika Studio and its collaboration with European printmaking workshops and academic institutions. Among those who accepted the invitation this year were, for example, Nastazja Ciupa from the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, Olivia Christen from the TIZIANA lithography studio in Pirna, Li Portenlänger from Eichstätt Lithography Workshop, Belgian graphic artist Els Patoor, and Filip Trnka, a graduate of the Graphic Arts Studio who works at the Kbely Collective Graphic Arts Workshop and the Žitná Lithography Workshop. The program will also feature faculty and students from the organizing studio.

The results of this creative gathering will be presented in the exhibition Livingstone 3, which will take place at the University Library of the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen. Visitors will have the opportunity to view current examples of original lithography and familiarize themselves with works created directly during the symposium.

Venue: University Library of the University of West Bohemia, Univerzitní 2732/8, Pilsen

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. 

From July 13 to August 23, the University Library will be closed for the summer.