The second in a trio of exhibits that will explore the influence of Japanese art on American artists is open at the Hunter Museum of American Art.
“Japonisme and America” pulls pieces from the permanent collection to link two temporary shows: “Gajin Fujita,” on view through Sunday, June 7, and “Monet and American Impressionism,” opening Saturday, June 27.
The exhibit illustrates “not only the sustained American interest in Japanese aesthetics, from woodblocks to prints to anime, but also the complex social and economic relationships between these two countries,” according to a news release.
Japonisme, the craze for Japanese art and culture, began when Japan resumed its trade with Western countries after 200 years of isolation, exporting items such as woodblock prints, screens, fans, textiles, ceramics and furniture into Europe and the United States. That turn of events, coupled with Japanese collections shown at the World’s Fairs in Philadelphia in 1876 and Chicago in 1893, gave rise to a passion for Japanese art in Western culture, termed “Japonisme” by French author Phillipe Burty in 1872.
Hunter officials explain that “Japonisme and America” examines the impact of this vogue on 19th-century American artists, who were fascinated both by decorative objects they deemed exotic, as well as the radically different ways that Japanese artists conceptualized space, pattern and color. The exhibition also explores the legacy of Japonisme for Japanese-American artists in the 20th century, who contested the stereotypes about Japanese culture found within some of these objects.
“On the eve of the 70th anniversary of the end of the second World War, we wanted to tell a story about the historical relationship between Japan and the United States,” says Rachel White, assistant curator of education, who organized the exhibition with associate curator Miranda Hofelt.
“We chose objects in our collection that could speak not only to the rich inspiration that Japanese art had on American artists but could also help the viewer to learn more about trade, immigration, communication and conflict between these two parts of the world in the 19th and 20th centuries.”
Art Wise tonight
The Los Angeles-born artist whose works are featured in the eponymous exhibition “Gajin Fujita,” will visit tonight, May 14, as part of the Hunter’s Art Wise: Distinguished Speakers series.
The Hunter is currently featuring Fujita’s contemporary take on culture and identity with a showcase of six of his large-scale paintings and several related drawings.
His mural-size, vibrantly layered paintings combine elements from traditional Japanese “ukiyo-e” woodblock prints with influences from urban street art. In his works, graffiti, spray paint, stencils and markers mix with classically applied gold leaf and acrylic paint.
During the program, set for 6 to 7:30 p.m., the artist will talk about his work, his process and his career. The program is free with regular admission (free for members, $9.95 for nonmembers).