Edo Pop: The Graphic Impact of Japanese Prints

STPI is proud to present ‘Edo Pop: The Graphic Impact of Japanese Prints’ which reveals the powerful allure of Ukiyo-e prints from Edo Japan (1615-1868) and Ukiyo-e inspired works in today’s globalised world. This specially curated exhibition of over 60 works from the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA), National Heritage Board and STPI brings a kaleidoscopic view of Japan’s influence on popular culture then and now. Showing for the first time in Southeast Asia, this exhibition continues STPI’s commitment to bring world-class art collections celebrating the art of print and paper to audiences in Singapore.

Ukiyo-e (‘ukiyo’–floating world, ‘e’–pictures) is a popular art form of woodblock prints and paintings that reflect the daily life and common interests of people in Edo and major cities in Japan. Presented in five main themes: ‘Sightseeing & Travel’, ‘Pleasure & Pastimes’, ‘Kabuki’, ‘Beautiful Women’ and ‘Edo Pop Redux’, this exhibition provides insights into the vibrant culture of Edo society populated by samurais, geishas and kabuki theater actors.

Highlights include works by Ukiyo-e masters Katsuhika Hokusai, Utagawa Hiroshige and Kitagawa Utamaro, whose everlasting influence are demonstrated in the contemporary works of art by Japanese-American artist Masami Teraoka and Hong Kong artist Wilson Shieh – STPI editions produced in collaboration with Ukiyo-e master woodblock carver Shoichi Kitamura from Kyoto Japan.

Ukiyo-e aesthetic is defined by fluid yet distinct outlines, bold areas of clear colour, off-centre subjects and dramatic cropping, and continues to be a vital artistic influence. It became an important source of inspiration to many famous European painters such as Vincent Van Gogh, Edgar Degas, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Edouard Manet and Claude Monet whose art captured the culture of leisure in 19th century Paris.

For more information and updates, check out their [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/SingaporeTylerPrintInstitute/timeline). Exhibition timings are Tuesday – Friday: 10am – 7pm. Saturday: 10am – 6pm.

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Deputy Editor

Gary is one of those proverbial jack of all trades… you know the rest. When not writing about lifestyle and culture, he dabbles in photography, graphic design, plays four instruments and is a professional wearer of bowties. His greatest weakness: spending more money on clothes than he probably should. Find him across the social world as @grimlay