UW–Madison’s Faisal Abdu’Allah — the Chazen Family Distinguished Chair in Art and associate dean for the arts in the School of Education — is organizing a panel discussion titled “Flip it and Reverse it: Experimentation and Collaboration from the Print Studio to the Classroom” at the Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair in London, taking place Nov. 13–16.
Presented in collaboration with Tandem Press, the session will explore innovation and experimentation in contemporary printmaking.
In this panel, members of Tandem Press and the broader UW–Madison printmaking community will share insights into their diverse roles — from artist collaboration and technical problem-solving to marketing, collector engagement, and teaching new processes. The discussion will reveal how complex, hybrid projects come to life through the inventive use of multiple printmaking processes and unconventional materials.
The conversation will also highlight how the print studio serves as a powerful educational model — bridging traditional techniques with contemporary practices and offering students a hands-on, collaborative framework that redefines art education.
Reflecting on the session’s theme, Abdu’Allah explained, “The title of the panel, ‘Flip it and Reverse it,’ is a thoughtful nod to the creative process in printmaking. It speaks to how artists reimagine and transform their work — translating ideas from one medium into another to produce original expressions.”
Funding for UW–Madison’s participation was provided by former Dean Diana Hess and the School of Education. “By supporting this initiative, the School positions UW–Madison as the first U.S. partner institution to participate in this major UK print event, expanding our reach within one of the world’s most active and influential printmaking communities,” Abdu’Allah said.
Abdu’Allah also noted that this collaboration provides opportunities to connect with UW–Madison alumni in the United Kingdom, engage new audiences, and strengthen international networks in print and visual culture.
To explore the full program and participating artists, explore the Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair website.