MOKUHANGA Artist

New value of water-based woodblock prints as "MOKUHANGA"

​

For me, water-based woodblock prints are an artistic expression with new value in modern times.

​

As seen in traditional ukiyo-e prints, water-based woodblock prints are attractive for each process, such as the entertainingness of the painter, the flowing line carving of the carver, the coloring of the printer, and the profitability of the publisher. .. In addition, there is no shortage of examples of the texture of Japanese paper, sharpening with "Hangito(Knife)" that combines steel and iron and a natural whetstone, and the fun of materials such as Kashirodake and Honbaren. The beauty of harmony created by collaboration between people, or nature and people, is rare in the world and can be said to be a miracle of Japan. The concept is beginning to be transmitted by being called "MOKUHANGA" among artists and researchers around the world.

​

"What should people really care about?" I keep thinking in the uncertain and confusing modern times. And I have found some answers in connection with "MOKUHANGA". For example, "the longer it takes the better", and "the more you interact with and love the material". Even today, I am facing my artworks with the feeling of carving out and duplicating the correct answers that already exists.

​

Nov-01-2020

​

​

「MOKUHANGA」としての水性木版画の新たな価値

​

　私にとって水性木版画は、現代において新たな価値を持つ芸術表現です。

　水性木版画は、例えば伝統的な浮世絵に見られるように、絵師の娯楽性、彫師の流麗な線彫、摺師の発色の工夫、版元の採算性など各工程の思い入れに魅力があります。また、和紙の地合、鋼と鉄を合わせた版木刀と天然砥石での研ぎ、カシロダケと本バレンなど素材の面白さについても例示に事欠きません。そのような人と人、あるいは自然と人が協働して生む和の美しさは世界的に見ても珍しく、日本の奇跡であると言えるでしょう。その概念は、世界のアーティストや研究者の間で「MOKUHANGA」と呼ばれ伝わり始めています。

　「人が本当に大事にするべきものとは何か？」私は先の見えない混迷な現代において考え続けています。そしていくつかの答えをMOKUHANGAと関わることで発見しています。例えば、時間がかかるほど良いことや、素材と対話し愛することです。今日も、すでにある答えを彫り出し複製するような気持ちで作品と向き合っています。

​

20201101