Transparencies
A piece of transparent film that typically displays a positive image. This printing process is typically used during screen printing. (Also called film positives)
The Process
A screen is first coated with photosensitive emulsion. Then, a film positive is placed onto the screen. Once the screen is exposed to light, the areas of the screen that are not covered by the film will harden. Areas that are covered are able to be washed out and remain soft. This creates a screen stencil used for printing.
Prominent Artists
Andy Warhol
Warhol typically used transparencies while creating his screen prints. Throughout his career, Warhol generated nearly 20,000 prints. Screen printing techniques allowed Warhol to series of images in various colors, one of his most recognizable signatures. The salability of these prints allowed for Warhol to not only fund his more avant-garde projects, but also raise funds for causes that were important to him. [1]
Barbara Kruger
Present Day
Inkjet printers are equipped with film positive ink, which offers a more affordable and flexible solution. [2]
Notes
- ↑ https://www.warhol.org/exhibition/good-business-andy-warhols-screenprints/
- ↑ https://www.inkproducts.com/what-is-film-positive-and-how-it-s-used-in-the-textile-screen-printing-industry.html
- ↑ “What Is a Film Positive?: A Guide to Art Terminology.” What Is a Film Positive? | A Guide to Art Terminology, avantarte.com/glossary/film-positive. Accessed 7 Sept. 2025.
