Azechi, Umetaro (1902 - 1999 )
Born to farmers in Uwajima, Ehime prefecture, Umetaro Azechi came from humble beginnings. As a young man he secured a job at a government printing company in Tokyo, where he soon developed a curiosity in printmaking. Pursuing his newfound interest, Azechi introduced himself to Unichi Hiratsuka, an established artist of the time, and became a member of the Sosaku Hanga print movement. Overtime, he gained access to exhibitions, met other artists, and honed his own skills, eventually participating in major print biennials in Sao Paulo, Tokyo and Lugano. An avid mountaineer, Umetaro Azechi is best known for his mountain scene prints, which can now be found in the Achenbach Foundation in San Francisco, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and The British Museum in London.
Modern Art | Modern Japanese Prints and Paintings
The 20th century saw the emergence of two modern Japanese print movements: Shin Hanga, or “new prints,” and Sosaku Hanga, or “creative prints.” Both sought an identity somewhere between centuries of rich cultural tradition and modern global character. With growing realism, changing techniques, and a newfound international audience, the Shin Hanga movement portrayed familiar Japanese themes through modern eyes. From sensual beauties and expressive actors, to atmospheric landscapes and sensitive nature studies, the principal genres of ukiyo-e reasserted themselves with renewed vigor. The Sosaku Hanga movement emphasized the participation of the artist in every aspect of production. From carving to printing, modern Japanese printmaking adopted a more spontaneous, expressive attitude through the artistic explorations of this movement. Ranging from figural to abstract, Sosaku Hanga flourished after WWII. Explore Ronin Gallery's selection of modern prints and paintings below.