Nov 62 min read

Collab. Ukiyo-e Inspired Linoleum Block Print

Suits 11 years old and above.

Collaborative Ukiyo-e Inspired Linoleum Block Printing

Storyline based printed on T-shirt

Visual Arts & Presentations (VAP)

For P5 & above.

Project Duration: 11 lessons at 2 hours per lesson.

Project Period: From Friday 15th November to Sunday 26th January 2024.

Free Trial Period: 1 lesson only during Friday 15th November to Sunday 17th November 2024.

Free Trial Registration: https://www.artistori.com/event-details/free-trial-visual-arts-and-presentations

Ukiyo-e (浮世絵), meaning “Pictures of the Floating World,” is a celebrated Japanese art genre that thrived during the Tokugawa Period (1603–1868). These woodblock prints vividly capture scenes of Japanese daily life, such as bustling cityscapes, serene coastal views, sumo wrestling matches, and dojo activities. Ukiyo-e prints are notable for their stylistic composition, attention to detail, and the use of bold colors, offering a window into Edo-period Japan’s urban culture and aesthetic.

One of the most iconic works from this genre is The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Katsushika Hokusai, created around 1831. This dynamic and colorful woodblock print portrays a powerful wave towering over boats, with Mount Fuji in the background. The image has become globally recognized, influencing numerous artists, including European impressionists like Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh. These artists admired the bold compositions, asymmetrical balance, and vibrant use of color in Ukiyo-e, integrating these elements into their own works and contributing to the cross-cultural exchange that enriched Western art.

In a project inspired by Ukiyo-e, young artists at Artistori will collaboratively create a visual story, drawing from varied scenes that reflect a journey or narrative. Each artist will design their own scene in Ukiyo-e style, focusing on composition, color, and thematic continuity with the works of their peers. Their creations will ultimately be printed on T-shirts, adding a wearable dimension to their artwork and bridging traditional art with contemporary design.

This project not only celebrates the spirit of Ukiyo-e but also serves as an excellent piece for students’ visual art portfolios, particularly for Direct School Admission (DSA) applications. Through this hands-on experience, young artists deepen their knowledge of Japanese art history, develop technical skills in composition and color application, and demonstrate creativity in storytelling—qualities that showcase their potential in the Fine Arts.

Learning Points: