Screen-printing is one of the oldest printing techniques traditionally done on silk. The practice dates back to the Song dynasty in China, in 1000 BC. The method consists of printing a pattern using a fabric stencil. The drawing is first done on paper, then the shape is cut out and applied to the final support on which the artist paints, leaving the ink only inside the shape. Printing may be done on paper, but also on textiles, cardboard and metal… When a subject drawn on stone is printed, it is then known as a lithograph.
Screen-printing was not exported to the West until the beginning of the 20th century, when Chinese emigration to the United States was at its peak. This technique met with immediate success when it appeared in the United States, and was used by the printing industry, businesses and artists.
In 1930, a group of American artists began to use the term "serigraphy" to designate works that had no commercial purpose. It subsequently reached Europe during WWII, when Americans used it to leave create signage and mark their vehicles.
As its popularity spread beyond artistic circles, screenprinting underwent new developments: silk was gradually replaced by nylon, a material that was easier to obtain, the roller - used to spread the ink - was replaced by the scraper, and UV ink, which provides greater precision, made an appearance. As screenprinting was particularly suitable for industrial production, publicity or printed textile production, it is not surprising that the Pop Art artists made use of this technique, which also allowed them to make use of very vivid and opaque colours. Andy Warhol, in particular, used it for his famous Marilyn Monroe portraits.
In Europe, screenprinting was used by modern artists, Matisse for example, in his work “Composition sur fond bleu”. The technique was also widespread during May 1968 as it was used for making posters. Its use has increased during the 20th and 21st centuries and it continues to be used for protest or for spreading a political message as shown in certain works of Street Art : Shepard Fairey, for example, used the technique when creating his poster “Hope”, which represents Obama.