Sixty Square Inches XXI: A Printmaking Tradition Returns to Purdue
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University Galleries proudly announces a lineup of exhibitions opening on Jan. 13, including the 21st iteration of the biannual juried exhibition “Sixty Square Inches XXI,” the retrospective exhibition “RE-RUN: A Visual History of Sixty Square Inches” and a solo exhibition by renowned printmaker Minna Resnick, titled “Someday is Today.”
A decades-long Purdue University tradition, “Sixty Square Inches XXI” is a biannual juried exhibition showcasing small-scale prints created by artists across North America. Each piece is limited to 60 square inches in printed area, offering an intimate yet impactful glimpse into the diverse techniques and creativity within the field of printmaking. This year’s juror, internationally acclaimed printmaker Minna Resnick, selected 36 works from 155 submissions, highlighting the exceptional imagination and technical skill within the printmaking community.
“It was an honor to be chosen to jury this year’s print competition,” said Resnick. “Over the decades, I’ve entered several Purdue competitions and have been included in their exhibitions numerous times. It feels rewarding to contribute to this excellent tradition as a juror. The diversity of techniques and imagery in today’s prints is exceptional, and the imagination and technical skill are truly inspiring.”
In conjunction with “Sixty Square Inches XXI,” Purdue Galleries presents “RE-RUN: A Visual History of Sixty Square Inches,” a retrospective exhibition featuring selections from Purdue’s permanent collection of works from past “Sixty Square Inches” exhibitions. Spanning nearly 50 years, this show includes prints dating back to the 1970s, offering a fascinating historical perspective on the evolution of small-scale printmaking and Purdue’s enduring impact on the field.
Accompanying the juried exhibition and retrospective, Minna Resnick presents “Someday is Today,” a collection that spans her 50-year career. This show features older editioned prints alongside more recent drawings, underscoring the evolution of her artistic practice and her enduring focus on themes that address issues confronting women and their experiences within societal roles.
“My work examines the changing nature of experience over time,” said Resnick. “By blending imagery from early- and mid-20th-century manuals with contemporary sources, I aim to challenge perceptions and provoke new associations. Through layers of lithography, drawing, and appropriated materials, I create narratives that deconstruct traditional hierarchies of information while retaining a sense of humor.”
Minna Resnick will give an artist talk about her work and announce awards for “Sixty Square Inches XXI” on Thursday, Jan. 23, at 5:30 p.m. in Ringel Gallery.
“Sixty Square Inches XXI” will be on display in Ringel Gallery from Jan. 13 to Feb. 14. “RE-RUN: A Visual History of Sixty Square Inches” will be on display in Rueff Galleries East from Jan. 13 to 31. “Someday is Today” will be on display in Rueff Galleries West from Jan. 13 to 24. Admission to all exhibitions and events is free and open to the public. Visitors are encouraged to experience these exhibitions and celebrate Purdue’s rich history in supporting printmaking and the arts.