This book aims to outline the concepts and steps that traditional engraving has taken from the compendium of systems and techniques that physically etch and print using pressure, to become what we today call intangible matrices. That is, to draw with incident light. It is a modest and informative contribution to an interesting change phenomenon that has occurred and is taking place with this art, where physical matrices have been replaced by algorithmic ones reflected on an electronic screen and where oily inks have been replaced with sophisticated injected or thermofused emulsions.
However, we do not wish to give the impression that our interest is directed only towards the technical part, the mechanical sophistication, and details of the already famous “engraving kitchen”. One of our proposals is not to use the printing recipe used until now but rather use the multiple image through electronic matrix or IMME.
We think that the electronic-graphic footprint is an intellectual lattice linked to ideas that have given a new meaning to the sense of multiple or original. It provides reflection on the social environment phenomena in which we are immersed and contributes to our understanding of the context in which socialisation of subverted Art moves towards greater interactivity. A brief, reasoned summary is provided of the evolution of Graphic Art from its most sculptural processes to the intangible matrices. The replacement of the manual stylus/pen by the electronic-luminous laser or photopolymers and the role of current thought about multiple works.
A bodiless document, without any physical support material, is an interesting paradigm in human history that the revolution of new technologies brings to the way we understand modern life today.