The delicate beauty of contemporary Japanese graphics was showcased at an exhibition in Astana.
At the exhibition in Astana, ten Japanese masters are showcased. The artists express their perception of space and time through the extraordinarily delicate world of Japanese drawing, which merges ancient principles with a modern perspective. Their works reflect a fragile balance between eternity and the moment, the inner and the outer.
“Seven years ago, Norman Tolman first visited Kazakhstan. He is the person whose collection we are exhibiting today. At one time, he served in the diplomatic corps in Japan. He was so impressed by the works of Toko Shinoda that he became a collector. He then fully devoted himself to art, opening a gallery in New York, and later in Tokyo. It’s unfortunate that he couldn’t come to Astana this time. He fell ill, and he is already 88 years old,” said the director of the art gallery, Zhanna Yensebaeva.
Each piece at the exhibition immerses the viewer in the enchanting world of Japan, its philosophy, history, and traditions, while always leaving a slight sense of incompleteness and a haze of mystery. The exhibition showcases the multifaceted nature of contemporary Japanese art. The display includes works created using various printmaking techniques, including traditional ukiyo-e, kappazuri, as well as lithographs and mezzotints.
The central figure of the exhibition is the legendary artist Toko Shinoda, who has received international acclaim. Each of her works is a deeply traditional, spiritual phenomenon, captured in a modern and highly expressive abstract graphic form. She has united traditional calligraphy with abstract expressionism, developing a unique and distinct style.
“Toko Shinoda stated that she is not obligated to explain her works; they are understandable to everyone because they are created from the heart. In abstraction, there is always a trail of unspoken words. However, in her works, the poetic sketches are made with a red ink pencil that once belonged to an emperor of the Ming dynasty. Sometimes it is a flourish, at other times smooth lines that leave a sense of incompleteness. Her works are held in the Metropolitan Museum, the British Museum, and the National Museum of Tokyo. When I was in Tokyo, I specifically went to the modern art department to find Toko Shinoda's works. I was thrilled to see them there. These are truly high-level artists,” she continued.
In the works of some artists, traditional content is virtuously wrapped in avant-garde forms, while classical techniques are complemented by modern trends. Other artists embody traditional motifs using ancient graphic techniques, carefully preserving the legacy of old masters. What unites these works is the conciseness of the imagery and the restraint of color solutions. Despite this, the pieces are extraordinarily expressive and rich in meaning, always grounded in deep philosophical and cultural foundations.
Japanese artist Katsunori Hamanishi captivates the viewer with the novelty of his authorial approach in the complex technique of “mezzotint.” The stylistic trends of contemporary Western art and the imagery of traditional Eastern art are organically combined in the artist's work.
“His works are elegant and light. His creativity is characterized by minimalism. At the same time, he pays attention to small details. He has a unique sensitivity to nature. At one point, Rockefeller bequeathed many of his works to be sold at Sotheby's after his death. Norman Tolman sent his employees to see which works were up for auction. It turned out that even Matisse's works were sold, but Hamanishi's pieces and those of other Japanese artists remained in Rockefeller's collection,” noted the gallery director.
The works of another Japanese master, Takashi Hiromitsu, are presented in the traditional printmaking technique of “kappazuri,” which is considered forgotten today. The subjects are based on Japanese mythology and themes from renowned Kabuki theater works. Takahashi's engravings are a reflection of Japanese culture, lovingly conveyed through dynamic compositions, vibrant colors, and eloquent narratives.
“The technique of ‘kappazuri’ is very complex. Each color is separately cut from paper and layered on top of one another. These fragments are then glued together using persimmon juice. This creates the impression for the viewer that it is a single painted picture. It is difficult to guess that these fragments were cut separately,” concluded Zhanna Yensebaeva.
The exhibition also features works by Wako Shuji, Tamekana Yoshikatsu, Masahiko Tsubota, Kinoshita Taika, Karhu Joel, Akihiro Misaki, and Toshihisa Fudezuka. The masters vary in temperament, artistic techniques, and approaches to achieving imagery. However, for all the authors, the ancient and the modern are presented organically and diversely. Japanese graphics captivate the viewer with mysteries and charm with their natural simplicity.
