After experimenting with screen printing in the 1970's, Giorno returned to printmaking in the early 1990's. In 1991 he made his first set of editioned prints, Poem Prints, with Durham Press. These prints expand on the phrases in the Vinyl Paintings to evoke a range of emotions via dynamic combinations of words and colors.

PUT YOUR EAR TO STONE AND OPEN YOUR HEART TO THE SKY, 1991. Screenprint on Coventry Rag. 14 3/8 x 14 3/8 in

 

THAT GUNS GOT BLOOD IN ITS HOLE, 1991. Screenprint on Coventry Rag. 14 3/8 x 14 3/8 in

Giorno’s poem “Welcoming the Flowers,” written in 2004, led to this portfolio of eighteen prints produced with Durham Press in 2007. Each print is turned into a bouquet by bringing together a range of rich pastel colors, combined to evoke the flower it represents.

DAFFODILS BAPTIZED IN BUTTER, 2007. Screenprint on 2-ply museum board. 16 1/2 x 16 1/2 in

ALMOST MISS AMERICA ROSE, 2007. Screenprint on 2-ply museum board. 16 1/2 x 16 1/2 in

Inspired by Giorno’s iconic Vinyl Paintings from 1989, a trio of prints was produced in in 2026 by Giorno Poetry Systems in partnership with JRP Editions.

WHEN THE GOING GETS ROUGH THE TOUGH GET GORGEOUS, 1989-2026. Screenprint on Coventry Rag. 22 x 22 in 

I WANT TO BE FILTHY AND ANONYMOUS SCUM AND SLIME, 1989-2026. Screenprint on Coventry Rag. 22 x 22 in