Art Below Hyde Park Corner 2023
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19 March - 6 October 2024
Travel to the bustling metropolis of Edo through 19th century Japanese woodblock prints. Discover the dynamic history of Edo (1604-1868), modern day Tokyo, a thriving hub that flourished during a time of seclusion and tranquillity.
Focusing on the period 1825 – 1895, this will be the first public display for a number of these works, which were hugely popular in 19th century Japan and also in Europe, where editions were collected by artists including Rossetti, Whistler, Van Gogh and Monet.
Demonstrating the enduring influence of this historic process, the exhibition also features new work by artist Hiroko Imada, who will create a site-specific installation in the Sculpture Gallery. Born in Tokyo (modern-day Edo), Imada has exhibited internationally, including at the British Museum and Coventry Cathedral. Imada’s work commissioned for the exhibition, Sakura saku (‘Cherry blossoms are blooming’) celebrates the natural themes in the 19th-century prints.
22 - 26 Jul 2024
PRINTMAKING IN COLOUR: BOKASHI
Create a woodblock print in colour, inspired by the work of artists such as Onchi Koshiro and Kawase Hasui.
This course employs slightly different techniques to our other Japanese woodblock printing courses, and does not require the use of a key block.
Instead, we use a more contemporary approach to create a design as Koshiro or Hasui would have done. You will also learn bokashi, a technique for achieving a gradation of tone in a colour or multiple colours.
8 - 12 Apr 2024
Make a Japanese woodblock print and folded screen
Study master examples of Japanese woodblock printing before making your own black and white print. Then, learn to make a Japanese folded screen on which you can mount and display your print.
This is a rare chance to learn how to make a Japanese folded screen, including how to make paper hinges. You will also be guided in the process of how to paste and mount your print for display.
The screen making and woodblock printmaking will run parallel as there is a lot of time needed for drying.
Please note that students who take this course should plan on attending all 5 days, as it is difficult to catch up if you miss a day.
1 - 4pm, Sat 17 Feb 2024
Woodblock Workshop with Hiroko Imada at Japan Society
Japan Society is pleased to present Japanese woodblock printing workshop led by a London-based artist Hiroko Imada.
Japanese woodblock printing, moku-hanga, is a relief printing technique, utilising a print surface that is raised above the unnecessary areas that are cut away from the wood block. Moku-hanga differs from many printmaking techniques as it is printed by hand with a pressing instrument (baren) and uses water-based ink.
This half-day workshop is an introductory course to learn the basic process by creating your own design, carving a block and printing in black and white on Japanese paper. No experience is necessary for this workshop.
24 Jan - 20 Mar 2024
JAPANESE WOODBLOCK PRINTMAKING: Landscapes in colour
Learn how to create woodblock prints with fine colour gradations. Consider landscapes in prints by Hiroshige or Hokusai, which feature the sky, the sea, and sloping mountainsides in a variety of hues and tones.
Students will learn how to create gradations by patiently layering translucent colour. You will work with traditional tools and Japanese plywood to create your prints.
8 Feb 2024
Japanese Woodblock Printmkaing Workshop for KS4 &KS5 at the British Museum
Working with Japanese born, London based artist Hiroko Imada, this practical workshop draws on the British Museum's wide collection of Japanese prints for inspiration.
Working directly with Hiroko all day in our art studio and galleries, she will guide students through working with traditional materials and share her knowledge, passion and expertise in Japanese print making (Opens in new window). Students will design, cut and print their own woodblocks using traditional techniques inspired by objects from the Museum’s collection. All materials are provided.
Ages: 14–18 (KS4 and KS5)
Curriculum links: Art and Design
Maximum group size: 15
Session time: 10.30–14.30