Just when I thought computers brought the latest developments in graphic design, I found there’s still room for inventing new printing techniques. I heard about the new printing technique called Latexgraphy, while attending an artist’s lecture and their exhibit. Latexgraphy was invented and perfected by Priscilla Romero Cubero. This technique uses latex molds that replicate skin texture, which is then used to produce two-dimensional prints. It’s similar to woodblock printing, but in this case ink is placed onto a latex mold instead of a slab of wood. My best description of it would be to imagine an image of a skin graft, stretched out like a flattened map of the world.

Property of the artist Priscilla Romero Cubero. This image came from the following URL: http://asucostarica.tumblr.com/post/6777956657

With the aid of Priscilla Cubero’s technique, a print of real life skin can be scanned into a computer. The crevices that are transfered like a negative photograph can then be used to precisely replicate a three-dimensional object with such texture. Latexgraphy is literally a two-dimensional map of real life skin. Which is why I think this interesting printing technique will improve humanoid robotics, and lifecasting. Just think, a humanoid robot with actual lifelike texturized skin!

This image came from the following URL: http://www.technovelgy.com/ct/Science-Fiction-News.asp?NewsNum=2291

Priscilla Cubero’s Latexgraphy artwork is being featured within the Reflections on Costa Rica exhibit at the Turchin Center, and can be seen now through June 2nd 2012.

Reflections on Costa Rica exhibit, Fragmentos Significantes using Latexgraphy on Gampi Paper by Pricilla Romero Cubero. Photograph taken by Amiris Brown (me).