In 1968, printmaking continued to be an important medium for artists, with notable developments and events taking place in the field. Pop artists, such as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, heavily utilized screenprinting as a technique in their work. Warhol, in particular, gained prominence for his iconic screenprinted images of celebrities and consumer products.
Across the world, North Vietnamese forces launched a series of surprise attacks (The Tet Offensive) on South Vietnam during the Vietnam War, leading to a turning point in public opinion against the war. In the United States, the civil rights movement continued with significant events such as the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. and subsequent riots in several cities. A period of political liberalization in Czechoslovakia, marked by protests and demands for democratic reforms, was abruptly ended when Soviet troops invaded the country.
The 1968 Summer Olympics were held in Mexico City, Mexico, featuring iconic moments like the Black Power salute by American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos during the medal ceremony. Rod Laver achieved a Grand Slam by winning all four major tennis tournaments (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open) in a single year.
1968 saw The Beatles releasing their eponymous album, commonly known as “The White Album,” which included hits like “Hey Jude” and “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” The iconic Woodstock Music & Art Fair took place in Bethel, New York, becoming a symbol of the counterculture movement and featuring performances by Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and many others. Stanley Kubrick’s science fiction film “2001: A Space Odyssey” was released, garnering critical acclaim for its innovative storytelling and visual effects.
