Raubdruckerin is an experimental printmaking project that goes to cities around the world, searching out vintage relief patterns like manhole covers and street signs, and turning them into wearable or usable art. I assumed they would make their rubbings on paper, then create a template to print onto their products. Nope. These lovelies actually bring a stack of tshirts or tote bags or even blankets TO THE SPOT WHERE THEY FIND THE PATTERN. Then these bendy, young-kneed artists crouch on the sidewalk or street, inking the pattern, then making their rubbings right onto the items they’re selling. Does it sound a bit unsanitary? Well, yes, but the ink they use is clean, right?
If you follow Raubdruckerin on Facebook, you could even be one of the lucky households to host them when they come to your city.
You can follow the project on their website, their YouTube channel, and Facebook.
All images property of Raubdruckerin.
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My OBT 
February 6, 2019 at 7:04 am
I like it.
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February 6, 2019 at 9:34 am
It’s a really cool idea. I love souvenirs that no one else has.
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February 6, 2019 at 8:12 am
These printings don’t fade with….. washing? Or is keeping them as unsanitary as possible part of the formula? That said, I love the concept.
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February 6, 2019 at 9:34 am
They don’t mention washing, but I assume they’d have to be washable or they’d be utterly useless.
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February 6, 2019 at 8:35 am
Truely art can come from anywhere. but who knew manhole covers were so artistic? I didn’t.
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February 6, 2019 at 9:34 am
Makes me think when I go on vacation, I should be looking down, not just up.
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February 6, 2019 at 9:03 am
They are beautiful — Hal
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February 6, 2019 at 9:35 am
It’s amazing the places you can find hidden art!
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February 6, 2019 at 9:07 am
OMG, these prints are awesome…there is so much in our world to create.
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February 6, 2019 at 9:35 am
I’d love to know how they decided on their process. making a rubbing then turning it into a print would be pretty cool, but this is next level!
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February 6, 2019 at 3:14 pm
I really love the “found art” aspect of this project. I also think their products must make for a much more interesting travel souvenir than the standard “I heart [insert city]” stuff. It also makes me appreciate just how artistic some of those mundane, everyday items of street furniture are.
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February 6, 2019 at 5:57 pm
It really would make a great souvenir. I was really struck by the design and care that was once taken with items as humble and ubiquitous as manhole covers.
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February 6, 2019 at 9:15 pm
Hmmm….My hometown has some cool manhole covers! I wonder if I can get some prints; this is so cool!
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February 6, 2019 at 10:44 pm
Where’s your hometown? I’m sure their website says somewhere what kind of ink the use. I like the idea that anyone could make their own.
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February 6, 2019 at 10:51 pm
What a fun idea and cool products! This made me laugh: Then the bendy, young-kneed artists crouch on the sidewalk or street, inking the pattern, then making their rubbings right onto the items they’re selling…. “Bendy, young-kneed”, for sure!
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February 7, 2019 at 7:02 am
I’d need hydraulics to get back up!
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February 8, 2019 at 1:30 pm
Umm, not sure how I feel about this but have to agree that the art created from it is fantastic.
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February 8, 2019 at 3:12 pm
And there’s something to be said about a souvenir that’s actually from the place it’s meant to commemorate (rather than China).
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