Wood, Paper, Ink
The Mokuhanga Sisters and the Richard F Brush Gallery at St Lawrence University in Canton, NY present Wood, Paper, Ink from September 12- October 8, 2022
Wood, Paper, Ink explores mokuhanga, a traditional method of Japanese
water-based woodblock printing, and its expansion from Japan to the
international world of contemporary art. Organized by the Mokuhanga
Sisters and the Richard F. Brush Art Gallery, the exhibition presents
diverse examples of the environmentally sustainable printmaking
process.
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 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 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.
Exhibiting artists: Katie Baldwin, Annie Bissett, Kevin Frances,
Matthew Willie Garcia, Hidehiko Gotou, Kyoko Hirai, Patty
Hudak, Mariko Jesse, Shoichi Kitamura, Kate MacDonagh, Terry McKenna,
Yoonmi Nam, Florence Neal, Natasha Norman, Mia O, Brendan Reilly,
Louise Rouse, Lucy May Schofield, Melissa Schulenberg, Ayao Shiokawa,
Chihiro Taki, April Vollmer, Jennifer Mack Watkins, and Katsutoshi
Yuasa.
Events:
Mokuhanga Sisters is a print collective of nine artists: Katie
Baldwin, Patty Hudak, Mariko Jesse, Kate MacDonagh, Yoonmi Nam,
Natasha Norman, Mia O, Lucy May Schofield, and Melissa Schulenberg.
This international group bonded while studying mokuhanga in Japan and
has continued to work together to promote exhibitions and educational
projects involving mokuhanga.
Special thanks to:
Special thanks to:
Catherine Tedford- Director Brush Art Gallery
Carole Mathey- Assistant Director Brush Art Gallery
Ray Whelan and Oliver Erwich for their aesthetic judgment in hanging
this exhibition
Teya Shrady for her organization and imaging
All the staff at the Robert F Brush Gallery