Traditional art: Japanese woodblock printing on display

Exhibiting artists are amateur, students and teachers who were recently trained.

ISLAMABAD:

A total of 37 artists who have polished their skills in traditional Japanese artwork were featured in a joint exhibition at the Rawalpindi Arts Council on Wednesday.

The participants had attended a five-day Japanese woodblock printmaking workshop held here earlier this year.

Japanese woodblock printing was initially used in the 8th century in Japan to disseminate texts, especially Buddhist scriptures and to print designs on paper and silk.

With the passage of time, their subject matter expanded to include famous romantic vistas and dramatised historical events in the final years of the 19th century.

Small wooden hard objects pressed against paper to create mystical imprints are admirable. While everyone mastered the same technique, the work on display depicts uniqueness and individual style of each artist.

The participants were amateur artists, students and teachers who had learnt the art from Dr Shahida Mansoor, who has studied the Japanese woodblock print making from the Tokyo National University of Arts and Music after availing a Monbusho scholarship granted by the government of Japan.

She aspires to spread the style to those who aspire to explore new styles and add creativity in their personal style through learning new methods and techniques that might be traditional but contemporary at the same time.

The work on display also generated an interest in art enthusiasts who had come to see the show. “I think this is a unique technique which looks simple and elegant. The minimalistic, clear and chic- the traditional Japanese feel anyone gets when they observe Japanese art,” said Saima Amjad, a visitor.

Japanese Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Takashi Katae said that it was a pleasure to see the art works of Pakistani participants of different age groups whose work was put on display at the exhibition.

While appreciating the amateur artists for quickly learning the basics of Japanese woodblock print making during the workshop, Katae said that these fascinating art pieces were showcasing numerous aspects of this versatile art form.

“You have learned a lot in such a short period of time. I hope that you would continue to practice this art in future as well,” he said.

He also extended his earnest gratitude to Mansoor for taking the initiative of spreading this unique Japanese art in Pakistan.

The exhibition was organised by the embassy of Japan in collaboration with the Rawalpindi Arts Council, the Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association and the MEXT Alumni Association of Pakistan.  The artwork will be on display till September 9.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 4^th, 2014.