Two Palms – New York

In the heart of SoHo, New York City, nestled among the historic cast-iron buildings and bustling streets, lies Two Palms – a revolutionary fine art printing studio that has been pushing the boundaries of printmaking since its establishment in 1994. This remarkable atelier has become a cornerstone of contemporary art production, collaborating with some of the most influential artists of our time while maintaining an unwavering commitment to innovation and craftsmanship.

The Genesis of Two Palms

Founded by David Lasry, Two Palms emerged from a vision to bridge traditional printmaking techniques with cutting-edge technology. The studio’s name, inspired by the two-handed operation of traditional printing presses, symbolizes the perfect balance between artistic vision and technical execution that has become their hallmark.

What started as a modest workshop has evolved into a 9,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility, housing an impressive array of both traditional and modern printing equipment. The space serves as both a laboratory for artistic experimentation and a production facility for some of the most ambitious print projects in contemporary art.

Revolutionary Techniques and Innovation

Two Palms has distinguished itself through its willingness to push technical boundaries and develop new methodologies in printmaking. The studio’s approach combines centuries-old techniques with modern technology, creating unique processes that have revolutionized the field of fine art printing.

Hydraulic Press Innovation

One of Two Palms’ most significant contributions to contemporary printmaking is their use of custom-built hydraulic presses. These massive machines, capable of exerting tremendous pressure, allow for the creation of works with unprecedented scale and detail. This innovation has enabled artists to achieve effects previously impossible in traditional printmaking.

Digital Integration

While maintaining respect for traditional methods, Two Palms has embracerly embraced digital technology. Their integration of computer-aided design, digital imaging, and custom software solutions has opened new possibilities for artists to realize their visions. This fusion of old and new has created a unique aesthetic language that defines many of their productions.

Collaborative Spirit

At the heart of Two Palms’ success lies their collaborative approach to working with artists. The studio has become a destination for both established and emerging artists seeking to explore the possibilities of printmaking. Their roster of collaborators reads like a who’s who of contemporary art:

• Cecily Brown
• Chuck Close
• Peter Doig
• Carroll Dunham
• Elizabeth Peyton
• Richard Prince
• Christopher Wool

Each collaboration begins with a dialogue between the artist and Two Palms’ team of master printers. This exchange of ideas and expertise often leads to groundbreaking solutions and unexpected artistic discoveries.

Notable Projects and Achievements

Over the years, Two Palms has produced numerous landmark editions that have redefined what’s possible in printmaking. Some notable projects include:

The Monumental Monoprints

Two Palms has become particularly known for their large-scale monoprints, which often push the physical limitations of both their equipment and materials. These unique works combine the spontaneity of painting with the technical precision of printmaking.

Relief Printing Innovations

The studio’s experiments with relief printing have resulted in works of extraordinary depth and texture. Their development of new techniques for creating three-dimensional surfaces has allowed artists to achieve sculptural effects within the medium of printing.

Technical Excellence and Quality Control

Two Palms’ commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of their operation. The studio maintains rigorous quality control standards, ensuring that each print meets the highest specifications for artistic and technical achievement.

Materials and Archival Standards

Only the finest materials are used in their productions, from specialized papers to custom-developed inks. Every component is chosen with consideration for both immediate visual impact and long-term preservation.

Documentation and Authentication

Each work produced at Two Palms is meticulously documented and authenticated. This attention to detail has made their editions highly sought after by collectors and institutions worldwide.

Educational Impact and Industry Leadership

Two Palms has played a significant role in advancing the field of printmaking through various educational initiatives and industry leadership:

Workshop Programs

The studio regularly hosts workshops and demonstrations for art students and professionals, sharing their expertise and promoting the advancement of printmaking techniques.

Technical Innovation Sharing

While maintaining certain proprietary processes, Two Palms has been generous in sharing many of their technical innovations with the broader printmaking community, contributing to the field’s overall development.

Environmental Responsibility

In recent years, Two Palms has made significant strides in implementing environmentally responsible practices:

Sustainable Materials

The studio has invested in researching and implementing eco-friendly materials and processes without compromising artistic quality.

Waste Reduction

Advanced planning and efficient production methods help minimize waste, while recycling programs ensure responsible disposal of materials.

Market Impact and Cultural Significance

Two Palms’ influence extends beyond the technical aspects of printmaking into the broader art market and cultural sphere:

Market Innovation

The studio has helped establish new markets for contemporary prints and editions, demonstrating that printmaking can be both critically and commercially successful.

Museum Presence

Works produced by Two Palms can be found in major museum collections worldwide, including:

• The Museum of Modern Art, New York
• The Whitney Museum of American Art
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art
• Tate Modern, London

Looking to the Future

As Two Palms approaches its third decade, the studio continues to evolve and innovate. Current initiatives focus on:

Digital Integration

Further exploration of how digital technologies can enhance traditional printmaking processes while maintaining the handcrafted quality that defines their work.

Emerging Artist Programs

Increased focus on collaborating with emerging artists, ensuring the continued vitality and relevance of printmaking in contemporary art.

Technical Innovation

Ongoing development of new printing techniques and processes that push the boundaries of what’s possible in fine art printmaking.

Conclusion

Two Palms stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of printmaking in contemporary art. Through their unique combination of traditional craftsmanship, technical innovation, and collaborative spirit, they have created a model for how traditional art forms can evolve and thrive in the modern era.

The studio’s impact on the art world extends far beyond their SoHo location, influencing how we think about printmaking, artistic collaboration, and the relationship between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary innovation. As they continue to push boundaries and explore new possibilities, Two Palms remains at the forefront of contemporary printmaking, helping to shape the future of this vital artistic medium.

Their success story is not just about technical achievement or artistic innovation – it’s about maintaining a delicate balance between tradition and progress, between individual vision and collaborative effort, between commercial success and artistic integrity. In this way, Two Palms serves as both a guardian of printmaking’s rich heritage and a pioneer of its future possibilities.