Exhibitions of note

I've been to see two interesting exhibitions this week. The first, at Laing Art Gallery, was showing ukiyo or 'floating world' prints. Alongside the woodblock prints depicting life at that time were lacquerware boxes. I am fascinated by these beautiful, intricate and well made objects. There are numerous types of boxes for picnics, writing and incense etc. They all have a ceremonial quality and ritual aspect to them. I am currently researching this area for my ceramic work.

The second exhibition about the life and work of Edward Hughes was intriguing, in particular his training in Japan.

Please find details of the exhibitions below.

Japanese Wave at Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle

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Under the Wave, off Kanagawa by Katsushika Hokusai

01 May - 05 Sep 2010

Highlights from Laing's collection of Japanese prints and artefacts will be on show in a new exhibition called Japanese Wave. It will be the first time many of the items have been on show to the public for almost a decade.

The exhibition focuses on Japanese imagery from the 19th century and includes depictions of geisha, Japanese theatre and landscape.

As well as iconic images such as printmaker Hokusai's Under the Wave, off Kanagawa, the exhibition includes many prints which give an insight into life in 19th century Japan. Images of geisha are on show as well as depictions of Kabuki theatre, alongside decorative artefacts reflecting the themes seen in the prints such as combs, mirrors and fans designed for use by fashionable Japanese ladies of the day.

*** Excerpt taken from Laing Art Gallery's website.

A Japanese Passion: the pottery of Edward Hughes

8th March 2010 - 12th June 2010

MMU Special Collections Gallery
3rd floor, Sir Kenneth Green Library
All Saints

Edward Hughes (October 16, 1953 - March 31, 2006) was one of Britain's very finest potters. Sometimes called "one of studio pottery's best kept secrets" his work was extremely popular in Japan, his life's work was dedicated to making pots for others to use and he spoke about this with a passion.

This is a retrospective exhibition of Hughes' work and includes examples of his work from all periods, from his formative years when studying pottery through to the mature work made in his studios in Japan and Cumbria. The work shown shows his mastery of all aspects of the ceramicists art.

*** Excerpt taken from Manchester Metropolitan University's website.