Old Japanese Art Enters the Burke Gallery

Very old Japanese Art is the new exhibit in the Burke Art Gallery

Art is a tricky subject. Not many people know a great deal about it. Generally, we see something we like and assume the art we are looking at is exceptional work; however, there is much more to art than just deciding whether it is pretty or not. There are specific characteristics in a piece of art work that determine what type of art it is.

Japanese art is known for its diverse use of color and its portrayal of Japanese culture. Often times Japanese art is based around Buddha. These characteristics can be seen in the Burke Gallery at Plattsburgh State University College, where a Japanese art exhibit was on display since the 23rd of September. A few of the paintings were of Buddha and used vibrant colors and detail to express the culture and religion of Japan.

The art on display, was lent to PSUC by Cornell University. The pieces are from the Pete and Marge Henricksen Collection. There are forty-four pieces of artwork on display, all by different artists ranging from the time period of 1603-1989. Some of these artists are: Tanomura Chokunyu, Ichihara Shunko (who uses an extraordinary use of color and detail in his portrayal of Japanese woman), Ikeda Keisen, Okabe Setsujo, Utagawa Shunko (who captures the essence of Japanese women in the Japanese culture), Hattori Yoshimi, Hosoi Kotaku, and many more.

All the art work was drawn using ink, color, and gold on silk: however, none of the paintings on display are similar to another. I believe each painting has its own special qualities that make it an absolute masterpiece. Basic colors are used in so many different ways which makes each piece of art work gorgeous. Scenes of people fishing and shopping on the streets of Japan are just some of the things that are portrayed using a diverse amount of color that captures the Japanese culture. Several paintings lack color but still portray the beauty of Japan by showing mountains, animals such as peacocks and horses, women, and different styles of calligraphy.

Each artist captured the culture of the Japanese so well. Images of people working, playing, fishing, and fighting are all hidden within several pieces of art. While you're staring at these masterpieces it is almost like you are in Japan watching these things happen.

All the art was so detailed. As you get closer and closer to the painting you can see just how intricate the artist actually was in creating their painting. The detail was so amazing. The art work looked like photographs but better.

What is your favorite type of art to view?

The Japanese Art exhibit will be in the Burke Gallery in the Meyers Fine Arts Building from September 23rd until November 5th.

The paintings are on loan to Plattsburgh University from Cornell University.

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