Mami Hatayama

This course introduces Japanese Art between the 17th to the 19th century, also known as the Edo period (1603-1868), when a variety of art forms and styles emerged. We will examine a selection of major styles and artistic practices, and their social and historical backgrounds, providing an introduction to Japanese aesthetics, techniques, and artists. Students will be able to become familiar with many key works and also gain some understanding on changing currents during the 250 years period. Examples of the art forms we will examine include those from the official painting schools, such as the Kano school, to the vibrant popular culture ukiyo-e (floating world pictures). Influences from China and the West that were absorbed by artists in a variety of ways will be considered. To give foundation, the first few classes will provide a broad overview of pictorial art in Japan from ancient times to the 16th century and study major artistic traditions. Course work will vary but typically includes two writing assignments and a final exam.

This course surveys the history of Japanese prints of the late 19th and 20th centuries. Beginning from the last phase of the ukiyo-e woodblock prints, we will examine the two major art movements, shin hanga and sosaku hanga, and also some contemporary prints. The variety of expressions were cultivated by artists reviving and renewing traditional prints, reflecting social cultural changes, individual interests and styles, as well as by refining printing techniques. Alongside gaining understanding of historical developments, the course considers the wide array of ideas on what the print medium can characteristically express.
The works we will examine range from the traditional print subjects such as landscapes or figures to completely abstract subjects such as emotions. Examples of the artists who might be studied include Hashiguchi Goyo, Ito Shinsui, Kawase Hasui, Kasamatsu Shiro, Yoshida Hiroshi, Yamamoto Kanae, Onchi Koshiro, Kawakami Sumio, Azechi Umetaro, Munakata Shiko, Hamaguchi Yozo, Saito Kiyoshi, Komai Tetsuro, Ikeda Masuo, and many others. Individuals, some artists' groups, and art magazines that were important to the development of the print history will be reviewed. There will be visits to the AIC to view the actual print examples of the artists we will study in the classes.
Course work will vary but typically includes weekly reading, two writing assignments, presentation, and one exam.