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 MARK YOUR CALENAR
Two new exhibitions, photographs of 19th-century Japan by Felice Beato and colored pencil drawings by contemporary Maine artist John Wissemann, are currently on display at the Museum of Art, University of New Hampshire, through December 12. (Continued below)
Felice Beato: Photographer in Nineteenth-Century Japan features nearly 100 vintage albumen photographs by Felice Beato (1832-1909), one of the most successful early photographers in Japan. As an adventurous photographer arriving in Yokohama, Japan, in 1863, he faced travel restrictions, limited photographic supplies, no market for photography, and even attacks by rogue samurai. Nevertheless, Beato established the model for commercial photography in Japan in terms of subjects, style, and marketing to a Western audience.
For his clientele, Beato’s photographs provided a glimpse into a foreign culture—both real and imagined. They include images of both the turbulent Bakumatsu period (1854-1868) and more calming images of everyday life. His subjects range from geisha and samurai to landscape views and historic sites. Many were subtly hand colored by Japanese artists. Drawn from the private collection of Tom Burnett, New York City, this exhibition explores a culture deeply rooted in history, traditions, and religious beliefs. Curated by Professor Eleanor M. Hight, Department of Art and Art History, UNH, the exhibition is accompanied by a 64-page catalogue.
John Wissemann: Postmodern Constructs, Japanese-Style features ten large colored pencil drawings that combine the style of nineteenth-century Japanese woodcut prints with abstraction and complex design. Wissemann’s drawings employ an innovative technique of stencils depicting classical Japanese figures, which pay homage to the traditions of woodblock printmaking, entwined within strongly patterned, contemporary backgrounds. The works are presented courtesy of Caldbeck Gallery, Rockland, Maine
All programs take place at the Museum of Art, Paul Creative Arts Center, University of New Hampshire, and are open to the public free of charge. |
