"Edo Pop" exhibition

Edo Pop exhibition

    In Edo Pop exhibition that we went last week, there were not only Japanese traditional woodblock prints (Ukiyo-e), but also modern style works which are reinterpreted in a new way by contemporary artists. According to catalog of the show, "like Edo-period (1615-1868) artists, today's artists continue to explore the world and create works that colorfully reflect their lives in the present moment." ("Edo Pop" 3).

Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849), Under the Wave off Kanagawa

Kazama Sachiko (b. 1972), Raging Battle-ship the Dead-End

  

    I could easily find some similarities between these two painting. The both painting were used giant waves as a main element, and some other elements such as ships and buildings are floating dangerously on the waves. Kazama Sachiko, Japanese contemporary artist, was interested in the technique of woodblock printing. Although both painting were painted with same technique, woodblock print, Sachiko didn't focus on its ability to reproduce. She said, "I like it as a unique way of expression, so I only make one edition of each design." ("Edo Pop" 12). In this painting, she reflects some social issues on her painting. Sachiko also said: "my work is quiet political, addressing contemporary social and political issues like the fast turnaround of Japanese prime ministers...I developed my critical mind over the years, and my works reflects that." ("Edo Pop" 12). In her enormously large painting, she tried to show both disasters, the earthquake and tsunami on March 11, 2011 and nuclear disaster in Fukushima.