Colour, culture and collaboration come together this summer with Foundation Press's wonderful new exhibition, Starting Line, now open on the ground floor of Baltic. With an actual riso printing press included in the exhibition, what is it about the act of creating risograph art work that appeals so much? One of Foundation Press's founders, Adam Phillips, explains it as follows
"It’s part of the history of self-publishing and the culture of spreading literature. Riso printers tend to be owned by political parties because you can churn out leaflets in your party colours.
“But they’re popular with artists because you can make lots of stuff quite cheaply, and you don’t have to mix colours because there are cartridges you can get – metallic ones, pastel ones and so on. It’s a fun, exciting system.”
Foundation Press's Deborah Bower's adds
"Essentially, what it does is a cross between photocopying and screen printing. A lot of universities have them and students use them. It’s quite straightforward compared to other printing processes. And it's quick!"
Adam and Debbie are also running workshops throughout the summer so art is created and exhibited in real time encouraging everyone of all ages to participate - it's not just for kids! The ground floor has been transformed into a bright and welcoming creative journey with prompts on the walls along the way to encourage you to create culminating in a studio at the end of the experience with materials to realise your vision. An interactive, wholesome arty experience for all visitors.
Adam Phillips and Deborah Bower of Foundation Press in the printing booth along with the Ground Floor Gallery and displayed visitors' work.
Two of the most eye catching walls of the gallery space are the two areas where Foundation Press have created wallpaper through their printing process. The colours, geometric shapes and patterns are a feast for the senses and really showcase the space and their practice. And - even better - A3 versions of the designs are available as a print in Baltic Shop and online so you can recreate a small piece of their vision in your own home, office or a child's nursery.
Geometric and Pattern Wallpaper in situ in the ground floor gallery.
Are you as obsessed with Risograph printing as we are? Check out all our Riso related prints and books here.
Foundation Press Starting Lines is showing at Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art from April 18th - August 30th 2026
