Exhibition of Japanese Woodblock Prints at RAC
Japanese woodblock prints made by the participants of a weeklong workshop held earlier was showcased at an exhibition inaugurated at the Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) here on Wednesday.
Takashi Katae, chargé d’affaires at the Embassy of Japan, flanked by Naheed Manzoor, inaugurated the exhibition, which was attended by a sizeable gathering of art lovers and public. The exhibition was organised by the Embassy of Japan in collaboration with the Rawalpindi Arts Council, Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association and the MEXT Alumni Association of Pakistan.
Takashi Katae, while expressing his views on the occasion, said that woodblock prints were initially used as early as the eighth 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 eventually, in the final years of the nineteenth century, dramatic historical events, informed Katae.
He thanked Waqar Ahmed, director of the Rawalpindi Arts Council, for extending full cooperation for the exhibition.
Takashi Katae expressed his pleasure while seeing the artwork of participants of different age groups, which were put on display at the exhibition. He appreciated amateur artists for quickly learning the basics of Japanese woodblock print-making during the workshop. He also extended his earnest gratitude to Dr. Shahida Mansoor for taking the initiative of spreading the unique Japanese art in Pakistan.
Naheed Manzoor said that the Embassy of Japan and Rawalpindi Arts Council are working together for many years.
The Embassy of Japan organised a five-day workshop for teaching the techniques of making Japanese woodblock prints in May this year at the Nomad Art Gallery. The workshop, which was conducted by Dr. Shahida Mansoor, was largely participated by teachers, students and others having interest in handmade paper prints.
Dr. Shahida Mansoor studied Japanese woodblock print-making from Tokyo National University of Arts and Music, on Monbusho scholarship, which was granted to her by the Government of Japan. The exhibition will continue till September 9 at the Rawalpindi Arts Council.
(thenews.com.pk)
The seven-day exhibition of Japanese woodblock prints that kicked off at Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) on Wednesday brought a pleasant change to the tense environment in the twin cities.
The art works were made by local artists, who completed the work during a week-long workshop organised by the Embassy of Japan in collaboration with the Rawalpindi Arts Council, Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association and the MEXT Alumni Association of Pakistan.
Japanese Embassy Chargé d’ Affaires Takashi Katae, accompanied by Naheed Manzoor and RAC resident director, inaugurated the exhibition that was attended by a small gathering of art lovers and the general public. The exhibition presented works of 37 artists.
Mohsin Ali, a visitor at the exhibition, said the local artists were talented and proved that they could work in all mediums.
“There is abundant talent in the country, but it is the duty of the government to provide these people an opportunity to present their work,” he said.
Warda Ahmed, a student of fine arts in a private university, said the artwork was marvelous and the colour scheme was eye catching. She said the woodblock prints were not easy to make, but the artists did good work.
On the occasion, Takashi Katae said woodblock prints were initially used as early as the eighth 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 eventually, in the final years of the nineteenth century, dramatic historical events, he informed the audience.
Mr Katae thanked RAC for extending full cooperation to the exhibition and expressed his pleasure after seeing the participants’ art work.
He appreciated the amateur artists for quickly learning the basics of Japanese woodblock print-making during the workshop. He also extended his earnest gratitude to Dr Shahida Mansoor for taking the initiative of creating awareness of this unique Japanese art in Pakistan.
Former RAC resident director Naheed Manzoor said the Japanese embassy and RAC had been working together for many years and both institutions had showed confidence in each other.
RAC Resident Director Waqar Ahmed said the workshop for woodblock prints was conducted by Dr Shahida Mansoor, which was largely attended by teachers, students and the public who had an interest in handmade paper prints.
Dr Shahida Mansoor studied Japanese woodblock printing from Tokyo National University of Arts and Music on Monbusho scholarship, which was granted to her by the Government of Japan.
Mr Ahmed added that the basic aim of the workshop and the art exhibition was to provide an opportunity to local artists to learn Japanese art from master trainers. The exhibition will continue till September 9.
(dawn.com)
