LithORRgraphy: Chris Orr RA and the Art of Chemical Printing
23 February—20 May 2012
In the Tennant Gallery
Chris Orr RA, 'Full Steam Ahead!', 2011. Lithograph. © the artist. Photo: Prudence Cuming Associates Ltd. Chris Orr RA is one of Britain’s foremost artist-printmakers, renowned for his technical mastery, joyfully anarchic subject matter and thought provoking content. As a student he began experimenting with lithography, a process that depends on the chemical antipathy of grease and water to create a printed image. He continued making lithographs in various studios from Dallas to Paris. A decade as Professor of Printmaking at the Royal College of Art (1998 – 2008) allowed Chris Orr to engage with new ways of working, expanding his graphic vocabulary. Chris Orr's lithography closely relates to his writing, drawing, painting and printmaking in other mediums. Lithography provides him with a golden opportunity to express his complex labyrinth of ideas.
This exhibition contains twenty lithographs ranging in date from 1974 to 2011 and reveals an artist totally at home in the process. Besides presenting Chris Orr’s distinctive take on the absurdities of everyday life and human nature, it also asks serious questions: can a medium itself develop creativity? Can a process be a moment of theatre as well as a vehicle for expression?
Also on view is a film showing Chris Orr at work on a
new lithograph and talking about his art. Made by Peacock Visual Arts in 2011 especially for this exhibition,
the film offers fascinating insights into the process of
lithography and the work of this unique artist.
For further insight into the work of Chris Orr please see www.chrisorr-ra.com
Artist’s talks
Saturday 10 March 2012
As part of Saturday Social at the Royal Academy, Chris Orr discusses his work, inspirations and techniques. A Q&A session will follow the talk.
2.30 pm in the Reynolds Room.
Free entry but spaces are limited so please book in advance at www.royalacademy.org.uk/lates
Friday 20 April 2012
Chris Orr leads an informal introduction to the exhibition
2 pm in the Tennant Gallery.
Free with an exhibition ticket.
Curator’s talks
Tuesday 6 March 2012
Tuesday 8 May 2012
Introductions to the exhibition by the curator
3.30 pm in the Tennant Gallery.
Free with an exhibition ticket.
Also of interest
The London Original Print Fair at the Royal Academy of Arts 
20 – 22 April 2012
Chris Orr will be showing with the Brook Gallery.
