The Edo period in Japan was, in a certain way, the beginning of "modern art" as we know it. The impressionists (who were the grand-dads of modern art in the west) looked to Japanese art for inspiration in their quest to liberate their brushes from the tyranny of realism.
A breathtaking new exhibit of one of the forgotten masters of the Edo period, Katsu Jagyoku, is touring the country thanks to an unlikely collector, Joe Price. Price met Frank Lloyd Wright as a boy, and Wright transmitted to him his passion for Japanese art, inspiring the boy to become one of the greatest collectors of these rare paintings.
The collection is amazing - a world of animals, birds, insects and flowers that pull you in to an abstracted dream-like garden. Jagyoku also invented a technique never repeated, in which a myriad of squares within squares of different colors create the optical illusion of movement as you walk past the painting. You can listen to Joe price and look at the paintings in the video created by LACMA.
If you can go see the exhibit! Also see my post on cute Japanese robots.
Edo Style Modern Art
Katsu Jagyoku's Magical World of Nature
Trend Themes
1. Edo Style Art - Discover the revival of Edo period art techniques in contemporary art, offering opportunities for artists to create unique and mesmerizing pieces.
2. Influence of Japanese Art - Explore how Japanese art continues to inspire and influence Western artists, leading to the emergence of new artistic movements and styles.
3. Abstracted Dream-like Gardens - Uncover the trend of using abstracted dream-like gardens as a source of inspiration in various art forms, encouraging artists to experiment with unconventional techniques.
Industry Implications
1. Art - The art industry can embrace the revival of Edo period techniques to attract new audiences and create a niche market for unique and visually captivating art pieces.
2. Museums - Museums can tap into the influence of Japanese art to curate exhibitions that showcase the cross-cultural impact, attracting visitors and promoting cultural exchange.
3. Art Collecting - Art collectors can explore the market for Edo period art and invest in rare and valuable pieces, contributing to the preservation and appreciation of Japanese artistic heritage.