‘Ukiyo-e Redux’ Graces KIA’s New Joy Light Gallery of Asian Art

Eastern tradition infuses contemporary print-making in Ukiyo-e Redux: Contemporary Japanese Prints at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. The exhibition, featured in the KIA’s new Joy Light Gallery of Asian Art, lasts until April 23.

Ukiyo-e translates as “pictures of the floating world,” a reference to the ephemeral nature of beauty in this world. As the 17th novelist Asai Ryoi explained it, “the floating world” refers to “[l]iving only for the moment, turning our full attention to the pleasures of the moon, the snow, the cherry blossoms and the maple leaves; singing songs, drinking wine, diverting ourselves in just floating, floating; ... refusing to be disheartened, like a gourd floating along with the river current: this is what we call the floating world....”

These ukiyo-e woodblock prints became very popular during the 18th and 19th centuries. The 20th century color prints in the exhibition Ukiyo-e Redux: Contemporary Japanese Prints take their inspiration from those traditional woodblock prints while maintaining a modern sensibility.

The contemporary prints are drawn from the collection of Christina and William Collins.

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Ukiyo-e Redux Japanese prints Japan contemporary Japanese prints Joy Light Gallery of Asian Art Christina and William Collins Daniel Kelly Kawase Hasui color woodblock prints art art museum