Nakabayashi Seishuku (1829–1912),
Plum Blossoms (detail), late 19th
cent., hanging scroll, Ex-Addiss-Seo
Nanga Collection, gift of Mrs. Irma
Levin in memory of Dr. Ben Shenson
Luminosity in Monochrome:
Japanese Ink Painting and Calligraphy
Rotation 1: "Reflections of Nature"
September 4 – November 13, 2010
The Clark Center reopens after the summer break with Luminosity in Monochrome: Japanese Ink Painting and Calligraphy. Ink, made from compacted soot and glue, is a key element of East Asian writing and painting. The absence of color places a heavy burden on the artist’s ability to convey light, shade, and depth, and to create a sense of form and rhythm through his or her handling of the brush. A well-executed painting may be said to contain ‘five-colors’ of ink, the rich tonalities that give ink paintings their luminosity despite being essentially monochromic.
While ink painting was well established in China from the second half of the eighth century, Japanese painting tended to emphasize color and decorative effects until the late Kamakura period (1185–1333). Renewed exchange with China and Korea provided the necessary impetus for ink painting to finally take root in Japan, first within Zen Buddhist monasteries, which adopted calligraphy and painting as forms of religious discipline, later in secular spheres.
Luminosity in Monochrome will feature artworks from the 16th century to the present day and will open in two rotations. The fall rotation, "Reflections of Nature," introduces the themes of landscapes, plants, flowers, and animals. Highlights include White Tigers in Landscape, a magnificent pair of folding screens by Saeki Gantai (1782–1865) from 1851. Gantai was famed for his naturalistic yet imaginative depictions of tigers; this work is a splendid example of his mastery of this subject. "Reflections of Nature" also includes works by two female artists, Ema Saikō (1787–1861) and Nakabayashi Seishuku (1829–1912), who attracted recognition and respect as the male-dominated world of literati painting began to encourage the artistic pursuits of women. The winter rotation (Nov. 20, 2010 – Jan. 22, 2011) will present calligraphy and representations of mythology and faith.
Saeki Gantai (1782–1865), White Tigers in Landscape (detail), 1851,
left panel of a six-panel folding screen pair, Clark Family Collection
Luminosity in Monochrome offers visitors the chance to see artworks from a broad range of stylistic and historical backgrounds painted entirely in ink. The variety of artworks on display demonstrates the extraordinary power, versatility and enduring appeal of this deceptively simple mode of painting. The works featured, drawn from the Sansō and the Clark Center collections, will allow visitors to experience the lyrical, the poignant, the humorous, and the sublime.
Click here to order the catalog.
Curated by Rhiannon Paget, Curatorial Assistant
Gallery hours: Tuesday through Saturday 12:30 – 5 pm. Closed on national holidays and during the month of August.
Admission: $5 for adults, $3 for students and active military service with valid ID. Children 12 and under free.
Weekly docent tours are held Saturdays at 1 pm and guided group tours can be arranged by calling the Center in advance at (559) 582-4915.