Masami Teraoka and Japanese Ukiyo-e Prints

Overview

From the early 1970s Japanese-American artist Masami Teraoka adopted the traditional visual vocabulary of 17th–19th century Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints to comment on the world around him. These included reflections on contemporary themes such as globalisation, collisions between Asian and western cultures, and the AIDS crisis. Inspired notably by kabuki theatre prints and the ukiyo-e genres of bijin-ga [beautiful women], yūrei-zu [supernatural beings], and shunga [erotic prints], Teraoka created dramatic compositions rich in symbolism.

The National Gallery will present key examples of Teraoka’s ukiyo-e style works alongside historic ukiyo-e prints, delving into their visual, strategic and thematic connections. Leading ukiyo-e artists featured include Utagawa Kunisada, Katsushika Hokusai, Utagawa Kuniyoshi, Toyohara Kunichika and Tsukioka Yoshitoshi.

Forming part of the National Gallery’s Kenneth E. Tyler Collection exhibition series, this display will focus on Teraoka’s Hawaii Snorkel Series, created at Tyler Graphics in 1992–93. Related trial proofs and archival materials will showcase the hybrid techniques and innovative approaches Tyler employed to help Teraoka realise his vision.

Masami Teraoka and Japanese Ukiyo-e Prints is a Kenneth E. Tyler Collection exhibition.