Learn About Japanese Culture at Toledo Museum of Art
From clothing to architecture, weaponry to furniture, Japan has been a mecca of art and style since European nations fought wars over trade routes leading to the island nation. This fall and winter, several amazing exhibitions showcasing the exotic and unique Japanese style bring a taste of the Orient to Toledo Museum of Art.
The Art of Japanese Fashion
In response to a challenge issued by the Toledo Museum of Art, in which clothing designers were tasked with using their creativity to come up with clothing inspired by Japanese culture as part of a contest, the first "fashion as art" exhibition will appear in the Community Gallery. Entrants - the youngest being 12 years old - participated either by designing an original Japanese-themed piece or by proposing a design for a T-shirt inspired by Japanese culture.
Other Details
The display consists of 21 winning fashion pieces, including garments, T-shirts, head pieces, and hair decorations. Japanese-inspired artwork, compliments of local talent in the community members, will also be showcased.
The Art of Japanese Fashion runs through December 27, 2013, with a "runway" closing reception.
Fresh Impressions: Early Modern Japanese Prints
In the 1930s, it was the Toledo Museum of Art that first introduced modern Japanese prints to the United States with two groundbreaking exhibitions. Fifteen contemporary Japanese artists resurrected the traditional Japanese art of the woodblock print for modern times. Their work was the centerpiece of these landmark showcases.
"Fresh Impressions: Early Modern Japanese Prints" puts a new spin on the show from 80 years ago and includes new objects depicted in the prints such as kimono, Kabuki costumes, and Samurai swords.
Other Details
All but five of the 343 prints on display in the exhibition are owned by the museum. This, in large part, can be credited to the generosity of local businessman H.D. Bennett. "Fresh Impressions" revolves around the shin hanga ("new print") movement - the early 20th-century resurgence of woodblock printmaking in Japan. This movement, which blended traditional technique with Western inspiration, was popularized by the museum in the United States and Japan.
"Fresh Impressions: Early Modern Japanese Prints" runs through January 1, 2014. Admission is free.
Other Attractions
Ebb & Flow: Cross Cultural Prints
Through January 5, 2014, in the Works on Paper Gallery, the show explores the global influence of Japanese printmaking in the 20th century.
Japanese Woodblock Printmaking
November 21, 7:30 p.m. at the Little Theater. Watch as contemporary Japan-trained woodblock print artist Paul Binnie gives an illustrated lecture regarding the historical and technical aspects of woodblock printmaking in Japan from the 7th century to the present.
Japanese Woodblock Printing Workshop with Ebb & Flow Artist Paul Binnie
November 23-24: Binnie will teach traditional woodblock printing.
Free Storytelling with Kamishibai
Kamishibai, a traditional Japanese storytelling style, takes place every 15 minutes during the following times:
December 26 and 27: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 2-4 p.m., and 7-9 p.m.
December 28: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2-4 p.m.
December 29: Noon-1 p.m. and 2-4 p.m.
December 31 and January 1: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-4 p.m.
Location
All exhibitions and presentations can be seen at the Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St., Toledo, OH. For a complete listing of the many other Japan-related exhibitions, presentations, lectures, and classes available in the coming weeks, visit the museum's schedule.
Photo credits: Flickr user Pretzel William
<a href="https://plus.google.com/108897242618977470844
?rel=author">Andrew Lisa is a freelance writer living in Los Angeles. He writes about travel and cultural exhibitions, and gives advice on protecting your online reputation.
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