Hara, Takeshi (1942 - Present)
A contemporary lithograph artist, Takeshi Hara, was born in Nagoya in 1942. He attended Tokyo University of Fine Arts and graduated in 1967 with a B.A. in painting. Two years later, he received a M.A. in painting as well. At this point, he began using the go, or artist name, “Ken.” During his time at university, Hara became increasingly adverse to Western methods and styles and gravitated to the Japanese woodblock print medium. He experimented with lacquer-painted irregular canvases and spray guns filled with paint before turning to woodblock printmaking.The lithograph allows him to achieve an incredible smoothness of color and speak to Hara’s careful control in the printmaking process.
In 1971, he participated in the Paris Biennale and set off on years of travel. From Europe, Hara set off to Egypt and Morocco in 1975, followed by the United Kingdom, United States, and Central America with the support of the Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs’ Overseas Study Program for Artists. In addition to travel and many group and solo exhibitions, he began teaching lithography. In 1973, Hara joined the painting department of Tokyo Zokei University, where he became a full professor. Today, Takeshi Hara is a visiting scholar at Nagoya Zokei University of Art and Design.
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.
