This summer, I had the privilege of visiting the Dulwich Picture Gallery, where the much-anticipated exhibition, Yoshida: Three Generations of Japanese Printmaking, opened its doors to the public. This exhibition is particularly special because it marks the first time that many of these exquisite works, traveling from Japan, are being showcased in the UK. As the current intern at the studio, I was excited to explore how these artworks could inspire my own work and offer new and exciting inspiration.
Upon entering the gallery, you are immediately drawn into the rich history of the Yoshida family, a name synonymous with Japanese printmaking. The exhibition is thoughtfully organized across four rooms, each one guiding visitors through a journey, as the Yoshida family tree grows and blossoms over the decades.
The journey begins with Yoshida Hiroshi, a pivotal figure in the shin hanga (‘new print’) movement. His prints are not just masterpieces of technical skill, but they also capture the spirit of adventure and curiosity that defined his life. As you step into the first room, you are greeted by a visitor book, signed by Hiroshi himself during his visit to the gallery in 1900.
Hiroshi’s work is captivating, transporting you to far-flung corners of the world, from the lantern-lit backstreets of Japan to the sun-soaked landscapes of Egypt and the serene canals of Venice. His ability to blend traditional Japanese woodblock techniques with Western subjects and perspectives is magical. In a significant shift around 1925, Hiroshi transitioned from the collaborative shin hanga approach to the more independent sosaku hanga (‘creative print’) style. This change allowed him to control every aspect of the printmaking process, from drawing to carving and printing. The results are breathtaking—each piece radiates a sense of intimacy and personal expression.
Moving into the next room, the focus shifts to Fujio Yoshida, Hiroshi’s wife, whose prints stand in striking contrast to her husbands landscapes. Fujio’s works, celebrated for their large-scale depictions of flowers, evoke a sense of wonder and abstraction, gently reminiscent of Georgia O’Keeffe. The delicate interplay of colour and form in her prints offers a serene counterbalance to the more traditional landscapes, inviting viewers to appreciate the beauty in simplicity.
However, the majority of the wall space in this room is dedicated to their son, Tōshi Yoshida. His early works echo his father’s style, but after his father’s death, Tōshi began to carve out his own artistic path. He embraced abstraction, using bold colours and meticulous detail to create prints that resonate with vibrancy and life. Tōshi’s ability to capture the essence of both natural landscapes and everyday scenes reflects his deep understanding of the world around him, yet it is in his abstract works that his unique voice truly shines.
By contrast, Hodaka Yoshida, Tōshi’s brother, boldly departed from the traditional Yoshida style. His work is heavily influenced by the Pop Art and Expressionist movements, bringing a fresh, contemporary energy to the exhibition. Hodaka’s prints are dynamic and thought-provoking, challenging viewers to see Japanese printmaking through a modern lens.
His wife, Chizuko Yoshida, also presents a fascinating narrative through her prints. Initially trained as a dancer, Chizuko turned to printmaking after an injury ended her dance career. Her prints exude a sense of rhythm and movement, reflecting the musicality that once defined her life.
The exhibition concludes with a stunning installation by Ayomi Yoshida, the youngest member of the family and the current torchbearer of the Yoshida legacy. Ayomi’s immersive installation is inspired by her grandfather Hiroshi’s print, Kumoi Cherry Trees, bringing the exhibition full circle. This installation, featuring thousands of hand-painted and hand-cut paper blossoms, sweeps across the walls, creating a breathtaking visual experience. The cherry blossom, a symbol of fleeting beauty in Japan, serves as a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the enduring power of family connections. After it’s time at the gallery, this installation will be dismantled, never to be recreated—a fitting tribute to the ephemeral nature of beauty.
While the exhibition provides a fascinating exploration of the Yoshida family’s impact on Japanese printmaking, I found myself wanting a broader historical context of Japanese printmaking. A deeper dive into the history of Japanese printmaking before the Yoshidas would have provided a more comprehensive understanding of their works significance. Additionally, a more prominent display of the original printmaking tools and a clearer explanation of the woodblock printing process would have enhanced the overall experience. Although these elements were included, they felt somewhat like afterthoughts, tucked away in a side room rather than integrated into the main exhibition.
Despite these minor shortcomings, the exhibition is a triumph. The atmosphere within the gallery perfectly complements the prints, creating a space that feels both intimate and expansive. The selection of artworks is diverse and thoughtfully curated, offering visitors a fresh perspective on Japanese printmaking and the enduring legacy of the Yoshida family.
For those inspired by the exhibition, Dulwich Picture Gallery is also hosting a series of events that delve deeper into Japanese culture and the art of printmaking. From Sake masterclasses to Sushi making and Japanese marbling workshops, there are plenty of opportunities to engage with this rich artistic tradition in new and exciting ways.
As I reflect on my visit, I am struck by the Yoshida family’s remarkable ability to balance tradition with innovation, each generation building upon the last while forging new paths in the world of printmaking. This exhibition has not only deepened my appreciation for Japanese art but has also sparked new ideas for my own work in embroidery, where I hope to blend traditional techniques with contemporary designs. The Yoshida family’s journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring the past while daring to innovate.
Written by Gracie Ryan