Art exhibition: "Imayō: Japan’s New Traditionists"

October 2, 2016 - January 8, 2017
Mānoa Campus, Art Building, The Art Gallery, UHM, & Honolulu Museum of Art

"Imayō: Japan’s New Traditionists" is an exhibition that examines the inspirational power of historical Japanese art and craft traditions in the work of six contemporary artists, all of whom utilize their expertise in the history and technical mastery of Japan’s rich pre-twentieth century art and craft traditions. Their artworks demonstrate how cultural heritage can inspire transformational and innovative thinking, with the potential to renew and reinvigorate the familiar and the conventional. The featured artists are: ISHII Tōru, KIMURA Ryōko, MITSUTA Haruo, SOMEYA Satoshi, TANADA Kōji, and YAMAMOTO Tarō.

The exhibition both honors and transcends the confines of “tradition,” reflecting and commenting upon Japan’s own complex relationship with the past. This approach is ironically referenced in the exhibition title word Imayō, a Japanese term of ancient origin that means “in the contemporary style.”

Curated by John Szostak, professor of Japanese art history at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (UHM), Imayō features a wide range of art media, including textiles, paintings, ceramics, lacquer wares, and both carved wood and cast-metal sculptures, as well as a number of historical works on view at two venues. Approximately fifty artworks, including larger-scale works and installations are highlighted at The Art Gallery at UHM (open Oct. 2 – Dec. 2, 2016). Artworks for Imayō will also be on display at the Honolulu Museum of Art (open Oct. 13, 2016 – Jan. 8, 2017), where they will be presented alongside examples of pre-twentieth century Japanese art from the museum’s collection, demonstrating their sources of inspiration. For an optimum experience, viewers are invited to visit both venues, each of which offers its own special dimension and unique artworks.

An extensive program of artist and specialist lectures, hands-on workshops, and gallery talks is open to the public.

For more detailed info on the exhibition, artists, and events click on the website link below.

Image: Imayō logo. Designed by Chae Ho Lee.


Ticket Information
UHM Gallery Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10-4; Sun. 12-4. Closed: Sat., 9/5; 11/8; 11/11; 11/24; 11/25. Free admission. Donations appreciated. Parking fees may apply.

HoMA hours: Tues.-Sat. 10-4:30; Sun. 1-5. Closed: Mon.; 11/24. Adm: Adults $10, <18 yrs. free.

Event Sponsor
Art & Art History, Mānoa Campus

More Information
Sharon Tasaka, (808) 956-8364, gallery@hawaii.edu,

Share by email