Did you know that the lenticular printing process used by Barbara Kruger to make Untitled (Another Year) derives from a process invented by French painter G.A. Bois-Clair in 1692 to interlace two images in one work? This printing process only became popular later, however, between the 1940s to 1980s. You might have seen one in the form of animated campaign buttons, collectable cards, the limited-edition cover of the Rolling Stones’ Their Satanic Majesties Request LP, or Cracker Jack Box prizes.
Because of its use of a latticed lens and several images, lenticular prints have the illusion of changing or morphing as the image is viewed from different angles. The process for constructing one is quite complex: each image used must be sliced into thin strips, interlaced with the others, and printed on the back of a sheet of plastic, which is then given clear ridges that serve as lenses. The resulting image has simultaneously the impression of depth and motion.
Barbara Kruger’s Untitled (Another Year) (2010) print will be part of an upcoming collaboration with LACMA, launching this week. Keep your eyes on www.paddle8.com!
Images courtesy of LACMA and the artist.