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Ito Shinsui

A master of Japanese art at the Miró Foundation

The exhibition Ito Shinsui. Tradition and Modernity is devoted to one of the renovators of the 20th century style known as 'shin hanga', which sought to revitalize traditional Japanese art.

Although Ito Shinsui (1898-1972) was one of the most important Japanese artists of the 20th century, his style actually harked back to earlier traditions in the county's art history. From 1868 on, Japan entered an era known as Meiji, marked by modernization and technological advances. This process gave birth to modern Japan, but, at the same time, meant the gradual falling into disuse of many of the country's artistic traditions, such as the engraving style known as ukiyo-e, a representation of a fragile world of gardens and moments of tranquility and daily magic. Although ukiyo-e fell into disuse, a new generation of 20th century artists became determined to recover its themes and drawing style and created an updated version known as shin hanga, with Ito Shinsui as one of its practitioners. Now, an exhibition on this Japanese master can be seen at Barcelona's Joan Miró Foundation.

So, if you want to enjoy images of geishas and instants of intimate tranquility in a garden that detail the fragility of magical moments, Shinsui's work will transport you to the magic of a lost Japan. Although not avant-garde, the exhibition aims to instroduce us to another way of creating modern art: one that updates traditions and keeps them alive.

You'll find more information on the Miró Foundation website.

Publication date: Wednesday, 28 February 2018
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