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Mixografia® produces and
publishes handmade paper prints, multiples and sculptures in all media
that expand the language of traditional editions by allowing the artist
greater choice. Since its inception, the workshop has aspired to help
the artist realize a vision through the production of artwork they may
not have thought possible. With our processes, the artist is not
limited by the boundaries associated with traditional techniques or by
the selection of their materials. Our processes accommodate the unique
working style of each artist, and preserve the identifiable traits of
their artwork. This collaborative environment is an exciting and
freeing experience, while at the same time challenging and gratifying.
History
The Remba family has been
involved in the art business for three generations. Luis Remba learned
the basic printing techniques from his father who owned a commercial
printing firm in Mexico City. These skills eventually evolved into the
Mixografia® Workshop and gallery where fine art handmade paper prints
and sculptures have been produced and published for over 30 years.
In 1968, Luis was presented with a special project, to print a
portfolio for Mexican artist Pablo O'Higgins, for an exhibition at the
Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes in Mexico City. Due to the high
quality of the work and the lack of art printing shops, O'Higgins
suggested that the Remba's should start a workshop for fine graphics.
With the help of his wife Lea, an open studio was started at the
workshop and they soon began publishing lithographs with artists such
as David Alfaro Siqueiros, Leonora Carrington and Gunther Gerzso.
In the early 1970's, the Rembas approached Rufino Tamayo to produce a
series of lithographs. Tamayo was interested, but he made it clear that
he was looking for new horizons within the medium - particularly
seeking ways to get more volume and texture into his prints. This
artistic challenge was the impetus for the invention of the Mixografia®
technique.
To accommodate Tamayo's needs, a printing process was developed
allowing for the printing of images in relief and with fine surface
detail. The technique not only registered the texture and volume of
Tamayo's design, but it also granted him the freedom to use any
combination of solid materials in its creation. Tamayo was delighted
with the process and results, leading to the printing of 80 editions
with the artist in over 17 years of collaboration.
Due to the inability of commercial paper to withstand the stress of the
new three-dimensional printing technique, more resilient handmade paper
was also invented. Luis and Lea's son, Shaye, designed and constructed
the second generation of papermaking machines in 1982. Since then,
Shaye has invented new techniques, enhancing and improving many aspects
of the production operations. Today, he oversees all the production at
the workshop.
The invention of Mixografia® also led to the development of other
techniques, such as Mixocast®, a more precise casting method that
allows for the production of lighter sculptures than possible using
other techniques.
The first application of Mixocast® was with sculptor Henry Moore in
1982. The artist presented the Rembas with a plaster relief he made in
the 1950's, that was eventually made into the piece, War Relief. Moore
was pleased with the collaboration and very impressed with its results.
In 1983, Robert Gray, then Dean of the Art Department at UCLA suggested
a collaboration, inviting artists to lecture at the university and at
the same time partnering with the Mixografia® Workshop to produce
editions. This rare opportunity encouraged the Rembas to expand, and
launch the Mixografia® Workshop in downtown Los Angeles, while opening
an affiliated gallery space currently located in the City of West
Hollywood.
Throughout its history, the Mixografia® Workshop has been a reflection
of spirited creativity, which is the hallmark of contemporary art
practices. Working in partnership with major figures in contemporary
art, the Rembas have experimented with, and developed new techniques
that expand the realm of expressive possibilities. Through their
innovations they have assisted in the creation of multiples that exceed
the expectations both of the artists and the public.
Mixografia® prints and Mixocast® sculptures have been exhibited at many
of the world's most prestigious art institutions including the
Staadliche Kunsthalle, Berlin, Palazzo Strozzi, Florence, Hermitage
Museum, Leningrad, Instituto de Arte Contemporaneo, Lima, Los Angeles
County Museum of Art, Los Angeles, Wight Gallery, University of
California, Los Angeles, Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, Madrid, Museo de
Arte Moderno, Mexico City, Museo Rufino Tamayo, Mexico City, Museum of
Modern Art, New York, Edvard Munch Museum, Oslo, Musée d'Art Moderne,
Paris, National Museum of Contemporary Art, Seoul, National Museum of
Art, Tokyo, Museo de Bellas Artes de Caracas, Caracas, National Gallery
of Victoria, Victoria, Graphische Sammlung Albertina, Vienna and the
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Mixografia® Workshop, Los Angeles,
California
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