The Richard F. Brush Art Gallery, in collaboration with the Mokuhanga Sisters, presents diverse examples of mokuhanga, the traditional method of Japanese water-based woodblock printing, and its expansion from Japan to the international world of contemporary art during this exhibition on display beginning Monday, Sept. 12 through Saturday, Oct. 8.
Mokuhanga translates literally to “wood print” in Japanese. Woodblock printing developed in Japan as a popular art form during the Edo Period (1603-1867). These prints, known as ukiyo-e, had a profound influence on European artists in the nineteenth century. Though a traditional medium, ukiyo-e thrives on innovation and continues to influence both Japanese and global art traditions. The Wood Paper Ink exhibition presents diverse examples of the environmentally sustainable printmaking process.
The Mokuhanga Sisters, a print collective of nine women, met at the Mokuhanga Innovation Laboratory (MI-LAB) in Fujikawaguchiko, Japan, during various residencies between 2017 and 2019, and have since forged friendships through their studio practice. The artists in the collective have invited from among their teachers, students, and other members of the mokuhanga community to honor the past and explore the future of the medium. Artists in the exhibition hail from Ireland, Japan, South Africa, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Events Presented in Conjunction with the Exhibition
- Mokuhanga Demonstration by Melissa Schulenberg
Saturday, Sept. 17, 12-2 p.m.
Maurer Family Print Studio, Noble Center
- Gallery Talk
Tuesday, Sept. 27 at 4:30 p.m.
Richard F. Brush Art Gallery
The Mokuhanga Sisters are Katie Baldwin, Patty Hudak, Mariko Jesse, Kate MacDonagh, Yoonmi Nam, Natasha Norman, Mia O, Lucy May Schofield, and Melissa Schulenberg.
Exhibiting artists include Annie Bissett, Kevin Frances, Matthew Willie Garcia, Hidehiko Gotou, Kyoko Hirai, Shoichi Kitamura, Terry McKenna, Florence Neal, Brendan Reilly, Louise Rouse, Ayao Shiokawa, Chihiro Taki, April Vollmer, Jennifer Mack Watkins, and Katsutoshi Yuasa.