“Expedition to the Holyland 1 “

Year	1983
Medium	lithograph
Size:	1095 x 810 mm
Edition size:	50 (20/50)
Signature	lower right in pencil

A.R. Penck's "Expedition to the Holy Land" is a portfolio of prints created in response to a visit he made to Israel and the occupied territories in 1983. The project, initiated by collector Joshua Gessel, features 15 prints in various techniques, each addressing different aspects of Penck's experience. The portfolio includes color lithographs depicting landscapes, black and white lithographs of sculptures, and color screenprints exploring the political situation.  The portfolio was produced over a period of four weeks at the Burston Graphic Centre in Israel. Penck utilized different printmaking techniques to express his reactions to the diverse elements of his visit. For example, he employed color lithography to capture the landscape and geological formations, while black and white lithography was used for sculptures he encountered. He also utilized color screenprints to convey the political climate and monochromatic drypoint and aquatint for his abstract figurative compositions and symbolic imagery.  "Expedition to the Holy Land" is seen as a visual diary of Penck's journey, offering an artistic commentary on his experiences and observations in Israel. The portfolio is a significant example of his work, encapsulating his characteristic use of symbols and cyphers