Closed Forms II: hou
In 1977, Mitsui Katsui held his solo exhibition "Closed Forms" at Galerie Watari (the predecessor of the Watari Museum of Contemporary Art), and at that time he presented a series of prints (silkscreens) with the same name as the exhibition title. The group of works showing infinite hues in geometric forms is an art piece born from a unique conceptualization by Katsui, who was involved in the creation of the DIC color guide. This series, which is a sequel to the "Closed Forms" series, carries on the concept of the previous work, but makes a complete change from the seemingly futuristic vivid colors to a stoic yet captivating black gradation created by Japanese paper and ink. This series also shows Katsui's strong interest in textures such as the soft texture of Japanese paper and the lacquer-like luster of ink. It is the perfect combination of sophisticated design and fine craftsmanship. The late Keizaburo Yamaguchi, an ukiyo-e researcher, said that he felt "the brilliance of illumination" and "a stateliness that sinks deep into one's heart" from this group of works.
Quantity:
| Size/Weight | Image Size: 37.5 × 23.0 cm |
| Material | Paper: Echizen Kizuki Hosho Washi made by Living National Treasure, Ichibei Iwano |
| Feature | Type of print: Woodcut print |
Based on the belief that not only the reproduction of historic ukiyo-e but also the production of “contemporary ukiyo-e” is essential to pass on traditional woodcut printing techniques to future generations, in 1979, the Adachi Institute of Woodcut Prints produced and published a collection of original woodcut prints entitled “Japanese Woodcut Prints Today” with the concept of “encounter between traditional woodcut prints and contemporary artists.” “Japanese Woodcut Prints Today” is the foundation of Adachi Institute's recent collaborations with contemporary artists from both home and abroad and its production of original woodcut prints.
The project received the support of five designers and illustrators then working on the frontlines of their fields – Kiyoshi Awazu, Mitsuo Katsui, Ikko Tanaka, Shoji Yamafuji and Makoto Wada – who worked with the artisans at the Adachi Institute of Woodcut Prints to produce original woodcut prints. The completed works were shown at the exhibition “Japanese Woodcut Prints Today” held at the Riccar Museum (present day Hiraki Ukiyo-e Foundation) and garnered a great deal of attention.
Together with Mitsuo Katsui, who has been a leader in the Japanese graphic design world for over half a century, we have created a highly experimental work "Closed Forms II," with six designs that challenge the limits of traditional woodcut printing techniques.
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Adachi's Philosophy and Mission
At Adachi Institute of Woodcut Prints, we create attractive works that are in keeping with the times while maintaining the basics of traditional woodcut printing techniques.
Adachi's Meticulous Quality and Materials
At Adachi Institute of Woodcut Prints, we use carefully selected materials and tools to bring out the original beauty of woodcut prints to the fullest.
Traditional Techniques and Adachi's Artisans
The production of ukiyo-e, which developed as a commercial printing method, focused on efficiency and profitability. And so, all processes are streamlined and sophisticated. We will introduce the basics of ukiyo-e techniques.
