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Abstract Traditions: Postwar Japanese Prints

Abstract Traditions: Postwar Japanese Prints Curated by Craig Hadley

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Detail from: Hermitage by TAKAHASHI Shinichi, 1960s

Detail from: Hermitage by TAKAHASHI Shinichi, 1960s
DePauw Art Collection: 2000.7.87

A pivotal moment in Japanese printmaking history, the artists associated with the mid-20th century modern print movement broke with centuries of rigid tradition and embraced the flexibility and creativity afforded them by sketching, carving, and printing their own works.

Previously, Japanese prints prior to the early 20thcentury relied upon a well-established workshop method in which artists, carvers, and printmakers each completed a specialized task in the printmaking process. Abstract Traditions and the accompanying catalog feature 40 key abstract pieces drawn from the DePauw University permanent art collection. Noted artists include: Iwami Reika, Onchi Koshiro, Sekino Junichiro, Shinoda Toko, and Yamaguchi Gen.

The exhibition—originally on view at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana from August 24 to December 9, 2016—and the accompanying print catalog was made possible with generous support from: The Arthur E. Klauser ’45 Asian & World Community Collections Endowment, DePauw University; Asian Studies Program, DePauw University; David T. Prosser Jr. ’65; E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation; Japan Foundation, New York; Dr. Leland D. Stoddard '40; Office of Academic Affairs, DePauw University.

Artists:

AMANO Kazumi, AZECHI Umetaro, HAGIWARA Hideo, HATSUYAMA Shigeru, HOSHI Joichi, IWAMI Reika, KAWANO Kaoru, MAKI Haku, MITSUAKI Sora, MIYASHITA Tokio, MIZUFUNE Rokushu, MOROZUMI Osamu, ONCHI Koshiro, ONOGI Gaku, OUCHI Makoto, SAWADA Tetsuro, SEKINO Jun’ichiro, SHINODA Toko, TAJIMA Hiroyuki, TAKABE Taeko, TAKAHASHI Rikio, TAKAHASHI Shinichi, TASHIMOTO Simon, YAMAGUCHI Gen, YAMANAKA Gen, YOSHIDA Hodaka, YOSHIDA Masaji.

Basic Facts:

Catalog: 25 complimentary copies included with exhibition booking (click to download)
Exhibition Fee: $2,000 for ten-weeks plus roundtrip shipping (in-region pick up available)
Insurance: Wall-to-wall insurance required for duration of exhibition and to/from DePauw University
Space Requirements: variable, but initially shown in 1,850 square feet / 160 running feet
Number of artists: 27 + 1 film and 1 calendar folio
Number of artworks: 40
Tour Dates: August 2017 – May 2020
Didactics: Introductory panel and label text provided in digital format
Technical Requirements: DVD player and flat screen TV for film. Pedestal required for calendar.

Contact Margaret Leininger (765-658-6556) for more details.

Publication:

Accompanying the exhibition is an 88-page full color publication edited by Craig Hadley and designed by Kelly Graves at DePauw University. The catalog includes texts by Craig Hadley, Dr. Hiroko Chiba, Dr. Pauline Ota, Dr. Paul Watt, and Taylor Zartman ’15.

Installation photograph: DePauw University, University Gallery (upper level)

Installation photograph: DePauw University, University Gallery (upper level).
Photo by Larry Ligget.

About the Curator:

Craig Hadley held the position of director/curator at DePauw University in Greencastle, IN from 2012 - 2018. His research interests include Japanese postwar prints and the intersection of object-based learning in higher education (see TEACH VISUAL). He currently serves as the Vice President of Communications for the Association of Academic Museums and Galleries.

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