Ikon Youth Programme (IYP) showcase prints made in collaboration with artists Fae Kilburn and Taiba Akhtar as part of Ikon’s exhibition Start the Press!
Working across intaglio and relief printmaking, the group explore collagraph and dry point etching. They respond directly to the tradition of protest within printmaking, specifically the student protests which took place in art schools in the 1960s. IYP have utilised the medium to consider where they would like to see change in the world.
Start the Press! is presented as part of Ikon’s 60th anniversary year.
About the artists
Taiba Akhtar is an artist and printmaker based in Birmingham. Her evolving interest in language and communication binds the spoken, written and the read. Akhtar is particularly intrigued within the intaglio field, surprised by the wonders of etching and the magical nature of engraving. Her visuals stem from time and the passing of time, entangling thoughts, feelings and actions.
Fae Kilburn is a Midlands based artist and arts facilitator. She uses a variety of printmaking techniques including monoprint, silkscreen, collagraph and etching. Kilburn’s work is inspired by history, identity and disability, often including or referring to the lived experiences of other disabled people in her work; this becomes a collaboration of their narrative and her artwork. Creating disability awareness is an important part of Kilburn’s practice.
About Ikon Youth Programme
With the support of Freelands Foundation, over three years (2021-24) Ikon Youth Programme (IYP) navigates the waterways on board Slow Boat, a converted narrow boat. IYP are collaborating with creative thinkers and makers to reimagine Slow Boat as a local art school.
