This visually captivating volume explores the vibrant world of post-World War II Japanese printmaking, a movement that blended meticulous craftsmanship with groundbreaking innovation to transform the medium. Written by a leading authority on 20th-century Japanese printmaking, it pulses with the same vitality and ingenuity as the works it celebrates.
Showcasing over 100 stunning full-page reproductions, the book reveals the wide-ranging styles that defined this era of artistic reinvention. From the striking works of Saitō Kiyoshi that blend traditional technique with modern influences and the bold monochromatic works of Munakata Shikō to the refined calligraphic abstractions of Shinoda Tōkō and the colorful psychedelic works of Ay-O, the collection celebrates the vision of printmakers who challenged conventions and reinterpreted tradition. In addition to well-known masters, lesser-recognized artists are featured with thoughtful descriptions that shine a light on their contributions. In-depth profiles of select living creators, informed by exclusive conversations with the author, provide a personal look at their creative journeys and ongoing influence. Designed to complement the striking aesthetic of the prints themselves, this book is both a visual feast and an engaging exploration of Japanese printmaking’s evolution during a period of profound artistic change.
Biography
Malene Wagner
Malene Wagner is a Danish art historian and art dealer specialising in Japanese art. She is also a freelance writer, and has written for publications such as the Journal of Japonisme, Apollo Magazine, Kinfolk, and the London Japan Society. Since 2014, Wagner has run her own art consultancy firm, Tiger Tanuki, and has worked with museums including Ateneum (Helsinki), National Gallery (Oslo), National Gallery of Denmark, Vejen Museum (DK), UNIQLO (DK), Haslemere Museum, and MUDEC (Milan).
