Robyn Maree Pickens ‘‘Hiroshige’’, Hiroshige
(Brett McDowell)
BRETT McDOWELL has assembled and framed a stunning collection of Japanese woodblock prints by Utagawa Hiroshige (17971858), who is widely acknowledged as one of the preeminent masters of the Ukiyoe tradition. Hiroshige developed a particular appreciation for the unique features of the Japanese landscape that he depicted in all its seasonal distinction.
The 11 works encompass meandering rivers traversed by ferries, delicate willows arching downwards to the waters’ edge, the tapering square tops of temples, rolling hills, spectacular rocky outcrops, a creep of fog, steep grey mountains, small villages and roaming travellers navigating a treacherous path or expanse of water.
Each scene is accompanied by a citation in Japanese script that describes the scene, and includes the artists name, and date of printing. In some instances, this inscription hangs like a narrow silk banner, and at others, the calligraphic script is painted directly on the print itself.
Despite the activity in each landscape there is a sparseness to these prints that bears an aesthetic resemblance to the Japanese poetry form of haiku. The large flat areas of colour, often with minimal texture or adornment are akin to the accomplished brevity of haiku.
These prints have been selected not only for their beauty, but for their rich vibrant colour some 190 years after they were made.