Serigrafiainen

Serigrafiainen is a Finnish term that primarily denotes a practitioner of serigraphy, or silk screen printing, but can also be used to refer to the practice in general. Serigraphy is a printmaking technique in which ink is forced through a perforated screen onto a substrate, such as paper, fabric, or plastic, while the non-image areas are blocked by a stencil.

Etymology and role: The word combines serigrafia with the agent suffix -inen, forming a noun that identifies a person who works with the method. A serigrafiainen may work in studios, workshops, or educational settings, producing limited editions or individual pieces.

Technique and materials: The process begins with design or image planning, creation of a stencil on the screen using emulsion or stencil paste, and mounting the screen in a frame. Ink is applied to the screen with a squeegee, and is pressed through the open areas onto the substrate. For multicolor prints, separate screens are used and aligned (registration). Common inks include water-based and plastisol types; materials include screens, frames, emulsions, and exposure equipment.

History and uses: Serigraphy rose to prominence in the 20th century as an affordable method for producing reproducible art and posters. It was adopted by artists, designers, and industry, and remains popular for fine-art prints, textiles, and commercial graphics. In Finland, serigrafiainen traditions reflect a blend of fine-art practice and applied design, with studios and print shops producing editions and experimental works.

Related terms include serigraphy and silkscreen printing.