Everyone has different habits of recording the trivialities of life. Some choose to capture fleeting moments with a camera, while others may write in a diary. However, Japanese artist Noda Tetsuya describes his daily life through intricate printmaking processes, creating a series of prints that combine realism and artistry. The University Museum and Art Gallery of the University of Hong Kong is currently presenting an exhibition titled “Noda Tetsuya’s Contemporary Japanese Printmaking Diary,” showcasing the autobiographical works of this renowned Japanese artist.
Noda studied at Tokyo University of the Arts, initially focusing on painting. However, as he grew up during a period of significant changes in Japan’s post-war ideology, society, economy, and art, starting in the late 1960s, he began creating the “Diary” series of prints. The themes include family, friends, self-portraits, landscapes, plants, and more. These works, inspired by daily life, showcase the artist’s inner world while also reflecting a broader contemporary social landscape.
Noda cleverly combines photography, traditional Japanese woodblock printing, oil printing, and screen printing techniques to create a complex and intricately coordinated layering production method. He first combines pre-colored woodblocks with photos from screen printing, then prints colors and subtle shadows on washi paper, and finally deepens the contours and shadow areas through screen printing techniques. This unique production method has led to his poetic print works that document personal life, highlighting the significant meaning of personal and daily life, resonating with viewers.
The exhibition features works exclusively from the collection of Mr. Hsu Minzhi, starting with the legendary success of Tada in the 1968 Tokyo International Print Biennale, outlining how the artist’s creation has given new meaning to print art, and his creative artistic concept.
The work makes us rethink the identity of the artist, when everyone thinks that artistic creation must be difficult to understand, Noda’s work is the most flesh-and-blood testimony, he shares the same joys and sorrows with each of us, all of which are the ordinary daily experiences that we are all going through, the work exudes sincere and candid emotions that are most touching.
“Noda Tetsuya’s Japanese Contemporary Print Diary”
Date: From now until October 9 (Closed on Mondays)
Time: 9:30 am to 6:00 pm (Tuesday to Saturday); 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm (Sunday)
Location: 1st Floor, Fung Ping Shan Museum, The University of Hong Kong, 90 Bonham Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
Image source and learn more: University Museum and Art Gallery, The University of Hong Kong
