Since September 24, Azerbaijan National Arts Museum has been hosting an exhibition called "Sharaku Interpreted by Japan Contemporary Artists".
The exhibition is dedicated to Ukiyo-e (a genre of woodblock prints) print artist Toshusai Sharaku creativity, known throughout Japan and the world for his bust portraits of Kabuki actors.
Through many years the exhibition has been traveling around the world. Now the Azerbaijani visitors have a chance to see the works of avant garde ukiyo-e artist.
Little is known about him other than the prints he designed -neither his true name nor the dates of his birth or death are known. His active career as a woodblock artist spanned ten months. During this short period Sharaku created 140 woodcut prints, admired by the world.
The eighteenth century Japanese artist's majority works were the portraits of Kabuki and Kyogen actors, sumo wrestlers and warriors.
Featuring about 81 artworks, the exhibition has three main themes: "The reproduction of Sharaku" presents 28 of the most famous portraits of famous performers by Sharaku; "Sharaku in Graphic Art" 28 posters by Japan's top graphic designers use Sharaku's bust portraits as design elements and "Homage to Sharaku" which displays a diversity of artworks by 11 young contemporary artists, who have reinterpreted Sharaku using a combination of fluid ideas and definitive expressions.
Apart displaying original copies and contemporary works of his progeny, the exhibition features many photos, Japanese dolls, traditional toys and ceramic tableware.
Jointly organized by the Embassy of Japan in Azerbaijan and Japan Foundation, the exhibition will last until October 12.
The Japan Foundation aims to develop the country's culture by organizing cultural exchange programs with other countries. Moreover, it plays a role as the cultural bridge among countries and people.
azernews.az