Experience the exquisite fusion of Eastern and Western art at the Ota Memorial Museum of Art in Harajuku, with a compelling exhibition showcasing 162 shin-hanga woodblock prints by French artist, Paul Jacoulet (1896-1960). Though he was born and raised in Paris, Jacoulet was drawn to the Japanese art form at a young age and honed his skills in traditional Japanese painting and ukiyo-e woodblock art, showing an extraordinary depth of understanding and appreciation for Japanese aesthetics.
Shin-hanga, translated as 'new prints', emerged in Japan between the Taisho (1912-1926) and Showa (1926-1989) eras as an innovative art movement that brought together artists, carvers and printers in collaborative craftsmanship. It was both a revival and modernisation of ukiyo-e, an art genre that had flourished during the Edo period (1603-1868) but was dwindling due to Westernisation.
In this exhibition, Jacoulet's talent shines as he creates vibrant portrayals of people from countries and regions, including Micronesia, Japan, Korea and China. Each print is a testament to Jacoulet's sensitivity to cultural nuances and his deep affection for the regions he portrayed.