Mothership Print Studio is run by Julian Mayerhofer, a freelance printer and illustrator based in Vienna, Austria. The studio specialises in Risography, screen printing, and mimeography (Gestetner). His work is characterised by the use of vibrant colours, texture, diversity and multiplicity.
Julian studied graphic design in Vienna, where he developed an interest for print, in particular the process of screen printing, inspiring him to set up his own studio. After discovering Riso, Julian expanded his studio, which now houses 4 Risos and 13 colours. He mostly prints his own illustrations, but also collaborates with fellow artists and takes commissions.
“Printing machines are my passion, taking them apart, knowing how they function, repairing and refurbishing them” says the printmaker. From Riso, via Erwin Block, Julian came to the process of Mimeography. He now has 7 Gestetner (a type of duplicating machine) printers, which he is currently refurbishing.
Currently, Julian is working on Printing Money; a project that involves designing customised bank notes that he then prints using Risograph and Gestetner. The series looks at the conceptual depth of printed products which have no, or appear to have no significance in our daily life. He states; “Bank notes, nowadays, are not perceived as autonomous print products, rather they are common objects. Through the use of specialised printing methods this common object gains back value”. Thus, the boundaries of fringe and niche printing methods such as Risography and mimeography, which today are most commonly used for artistic pursuits, enable the production of art on the basis of non art.
Julian is looking forward to further expanding his studio, collaborating with more artists, hosting workshops and providing an open space to work with other creatives. He concludes; “Elevating the standard for composition and aesthetics, reaching as many people as possible is my ultimate goal. Art is for the masses not for the elite. I aim to redefine and expand the connection between art and people, using one of a kind but multiple techniques of print”.
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