Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858), “Harima, Maiko no hama (Maiko beach in the province of Harima)”, 1853
The Las Cruces Museum of Art proudly presents The Floating World, an exhibition of Japanese wood block prints from 18th and 19th centuries. An opening reception will be held on Friday, July 5 from 5:00PM to 7:00PM during the monthly Ramble. The exhibition closes on Saturday, August 24.
The Floating World: Ukiyo-e Prints from the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art includes fifty examples of wood panel prints from Japan’s Edo Period. From 1600-1868, the Edo Period saw the emergence of publishing houses. Artists were commissioned to create works of art and teams of craftsmen (copyists, carvers, and printers) completed the prints. Ukiyo-e, meaning “images of the floating world,” refers to the theater and entertainment districts in Japanese cities. Many of the prints depicted elegant women, popular actors, and theater performances. Artists often incorporated their love of nature into incredible landscapes.
Works on display are from the Wallace B. Rogers Collection at the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art in Laurel, Mississippi. These works were stored for much of the 20th century and have rarely been exhibited outside of the state of Mississippi. The exhibition is currently on a three-year national tour with Las Cruces being the westernmost venue. Join us for this unique opportunity to visit The Floating World, learn about the art of Japanese printmaking, and enjoy these exquisite works of art.
The Museum of Art is funded by the City of Las Cruces and located at 491 N. Main Street next to the Branigan Cultural Center and the Museum of Nature & Science. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The Museum is closed Sundays and Mondays. For more information about the exhibition and educational programs, call (575) 541-2137 or visit the website www.las-cruces.org/museums.
Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858), “Number 90: Saruwaka chō Yoru no Kei (Night View of Saruwakacho)”, 1856