Eightieth
Anniversary

The Eightieth Anniversary portfolio was produced by John Piper on the occasion of his eightieth birthday, in 1983. To mark this significant milestone, the portfolio comprises a suite of three etchings, four screenprints, and one combined etching and screenprint, each signed and numbered from the edition of 78.

The prints in this portfolio exhibit a wide range of subjects, made coherent by Piper's vibrantly colourful style. With subjects ranging from racy depictions of the female form, to an example of the artist's Foliate Head series, and churchyard scenes, the portfolio reflects some of the diverse interests and influences that have been most critical in shaping Piper's artistic oeuvre. Collectively, they serve as a visual representation of Piper's artistic evolution, a sampling of some of his most seminal works. Piper's use of colour and texture is particularly notable in this portfolio.

He employs a vibrant and expressive colour palette, creating a sense of energy and dynamism in the prints. The use of texture, whether through the application of thick brushstrokes or the incorporation of collage elements, which he translates effectively into the medium of screenprinting, adds depth and visual interest to the compositions.

The portfolio also reflects Piper's characteristic introspection and contemplation of the passage of time. As is understandable at such a significant milestone, the artist takes a retrospective look at his own work. But, this interest in the passage of time is itself a subject of many of his previous works that are referenced here. In the print Blenheim Gates, for example, Piper alludes to the many prints in his oeuvre concerned with looking at decadent architecture that has survived many generations - as in his portfolio Victorian Dream Palaces, for example. As well as having an interest in the history and aesthetics of British architecture - exemplified in books he wrote on the subject - many of Piper's works on this subject dwell on the passage of time as expressed by these buildings, apparent thanks to his depiction of both ruins and well-kept examples. Some prints may evoke a sense of nostalgia, while others offer a glimpse into the future. Through his art, Piper always invited the viewer to join him in reflecting on the past, celebrating achievements, and looking forward to new possibilities.

Eightieth Anniversary is a testament to Piper's artistic versatility and his ability to capture the essence of significant moments through visual storytelling. The portfolio serves as a retrospective of his artistic journey, inviting the viewer to appreciate the breadth of his creative output and the enduring impact of his work.