-
Pictures of The Floating World: Japanese Ukiyo-e Prints
Exhibition
Pictures of The Floating World: Japanese Ukiyo-e Prints
28 May 2021 – 1 Nov 2022
Regular hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- 10:00 – 18:00
- Wednesday
- 10:00 – 18:00
- Thursday
- 10:00 – 18:00
- Friday
- 10:00 – 18:00
- Saturday
- 10:00 – 18:00
- Sunday
- 10:00 – 18:00
Free admission
Address
- Exhibition Square
- York
- YO1 7EW
- United Kingdom
A display featuring rarely seen Japanese Ukiyo-e prints alongside much-loved paintings from our collection are on show in a new Spotlight Series at York Art Gallery.
About
‘Pictures of the Floating World: Japanese Ukiyo-e Prints’ features prints by prominent Ukiyo-e artists such as Utagawa Hiroshige, along with works by those influenced by Japanese art, such as public favourites Albert Moore and Walter Greaves. This unique display highlights the significant impact of Japanese art on the western world and the consequential rise of artistic movements such as Aestheticism and Art Nouveau.
“Ukiyo-e translates as “pictures of the floating world”, referring to the transitory nature of life. Visitors will see delicate prints depicting scenes celebrating everyday life, through themes such as landscape and travel, actors and courtesans, and folk tales.
This show delves into the history of the works, explaining why Japanese art became increasingly influential during the 18th and 19th centuries. With the variety of artwork on display, visitors can see how western artists were inspired by the use of line and colour, and how Japanese artists were influenced by western artists’ use of shading and perspective.
