A major new exhibition has opened at York Art Gallery today (Friday).
‘Making Waves’ offers visitors the chance to see Hokusai’s ‘The Great Wave off Kanagawa’, one of the most recognisable and celebrated artworks in the world.
This original print has been lent to York Art Gallery by Maidstone Museum for the duration of the exhibition, from Friday 27 February to Sunday 30 August.
Selections from York Art Gallery’s own extensive collection of Japanese prints, some of which have never been exhibited before, are displayed throughout the exhibition.
These accompany a range of loans from regional and national institutions, such as early printed books from the British Library, stunning kimonos from Durham Oriental Museum, and a selection of prints from Maidstone Museum and the British Museum.
“We started working on this exhibition about a year ago,” said exhibition curator Eleanor Jackson, “which is quite a short period to pull together an exhibition on this scale. So it’s been quite hectic, but also just an absolute pleasure, because working on these Japanese prints and learning about them are so interesting.
“And then and being able to share them with the people of York is just an absolute joy.”
Covering over 300 years of printing history, from the 17th to 21st centuries, ‘Making Waves’ places particular emphasis on the heyday of Japanese woodblock printing in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The exhibition also includes Japanese woodblock prints depicting the North York Moors by Scottish-based artist Laura Boswell.
“I hope lots of people come and they absolutely love it,” said Eleanor.
“I hope that people will come due to their familiarity with Hokusai’s Great Wave because it’s such a famous and iconic image – but then they’ll see the great wealth of other prints on display and how beautiful they are, and learn a lot more about Japanese art, culture and society.”
The exhibition will extend into the York Museum Gardens, where an exciting new Japanese-style garden is currently being installed ready for the spring and summer months.
‘Making Waves’ is also accompanied by an exciting and interactive programme of activities and events. Specialist talks from artists, makers and curators will take place on-gallery throughout the run of the exhibition. Interactive guided workshops for over 16s will also be available, allowing visitors to get to grips with printing techniques, bookbinding and Ikebana flower arranging throughout the summer months and create bespoke art to take home.
“This one’s been a lot of fun to programme for,” said Rosie Stuart, creative producer at York Art Gallery. “There’s been lots of great opportunities to link up with local artists, and from the broader Yorkshire area.
“There’s lots of opportunities for families – and anyone of any age – to come and have a go at making their own prints or artworks that are inspired by the exhibition. And most of those activities are included in ticket prices.”
The exhibition will culminate in a celebratory closing party on the final weekend of the exhibition, during the bank holiday weekend in August.
“There’s going to be lots of activities and fun inside the gallery and also outside in our artist garden,” said Rosie.
“So we’re being joined by a Koto player, which a Japanese harp player. We’ve got Taiko drummers, the art of Kokedama, which is making moss balls.
“We’ve got tea tasting – we’ve linked up with Ippuku Tea House, we’re working with the origami society, and there’s going to be food and drink and all sorts going on that weekend.”
To find out more about ‘Making Waves’ and to book your admission tickets, visit the York Art Gallery website.
