- The first book to explore washi as a medium for contemporary art -
The book reveals the contemporary possibilities - as well as the
time-honored essence - of a cultural tradition that has been deeply
connected with art and life in Japan for more than a millennium -
Collectively, the photographs represent a new concept of washi as they
have never been published together before. The book also features
previously unpublished photographs of new works by Yuko Nishimura and
Ayomi Yoshida - The publication features photographs by Kyoko Ibe, one
of the pioneers of contemporary washi that makes the traditional new
Historically, washi paper has been used as a base for Japanese
calligraphy, painting, and printmaking as well as a material in
architecture, religious ritual and clothing. In recent years,
contemporary Japanese artists have turned this supple yet sturdy paper
into a medium for expressing their artistic vision - layering, weaving,
dyeing, shredding, folding, or cutting the paper to form abstract
sculptures, lyrical folding screens, highly textured wall pieces, and
dramatic installations. This elegantly designed volume examines the
extraordinary creations of these diverse contemporary artists from
Japan, France, and the United States. The publication also demonstrates
the resilience, versatility, and unique stature of this ancient artistic
medium in the realm of international contemporary art. Published to
accompany a traveling exhibition: Allentown Art Museum, Allentown, PA
October 10, 2021 - January 2, 2022 Longmont Museum, Longmont, CO January
28, 2022 - May 15, 2022 D'Amour Museum of Fine Arts, Springfield
Museums, Springfield, MA June 11, 2022 - September 4, 2022 Morikami
Museum and Japanese Gardens, Delray Beach, FL November 3, 2022 - April
2, 2023
