On April 18, 2016, the Newark Public Library will open an exhibit of Japanese prints and ehon (woodblock printed illustrated books) from its Special Collections Division. The impressive sampling of kachō-ga, (“pictures of birds and flowers”) will range from the early 19th century to the present and will be on display until August 6 in the second floor gallery of the Main Library. Beautiful works by Hiroshige, Koson, Utamaro, Bairei, Yoshida, and many others will be included and will demonstrate the range and richness of kachō-ga. The exhibit and related programming aim to explain Japanese printmaking traditions, to expose and promote the library’s exceptional collection, and to develop interest in Japanese art and culture. The show coincides with the celebrated Cherry Blossom Festival at Branch Brook Park and the 350th Anniversary of the City of Newark.
An opening reception will take place on Thursday, April 21, from 6:00- 7:30pm. The event will begin at 6:00pm and will feature a guided talk by curator Nadine Sergejeff at 6:30pm. “This is a wonderful time to showcase a sampling of our kachō-ga prints,” according to Sergejeff. “There are hundreds of Japanese prints in the collection and the works on display represent both historic and contemporary examples of the Japanese printmaking tradition. I am hopeful that visitors will acquire a greater understanding of mokuhanga (woodblock printing) and recognize the types of treasures held by the Newark Public Library.”
On Saturday, May 21, from 2-4pm, the noted mokuhanga artist April Vollmer will present a lecture and demonstration of the printing process at the Main Library. Participants will be able to try printing from woodblocks. April Vollmer is the author of Japanese Woodblock Print Workshop (2015) and has exhibited throughout the world. The artist also teaches printing workshops in New York City.
The following month, on Saturday, June 4, from 2-3:30, artist Jennifer Mack-Watkins will present “Mokuhanga and Me,” a workshop for children ages 7+. Children will create a block print inspired by Kawaii pop culture and will use tools and printing techniques similar to mokuhanga. Jennifer’s artwork has been exhibited at the Lower East Side Print Shop, the Newark Museum, and Center for the Science of Human Endeavor in Tokyo.
The exhibit and programs are free and open to the public and will take place at the Main Library, 5 Washington Street.
