Jul 26, 2023·edited Jul 26, 2023Liked by Franklin Einspruch
Per an exchange we had a while back, this time the liberties taken in the representations contribute constructively to the integrity of the abstract composition. This time those liberties, because they are in line with the general character of the composition and aren't arbitrarily, perfunctorily applied because one didn't know what else to do, don't distract from my believing the depiction. I'd add that the craftsmanly, handmade feel of the technique is a warming and humanizing softening of the of the composition's geometric rigor.
Jul 5, 2023·edited Jul 5, 2023Liked by Franklin Einspruch
Interesting! My only "nit" was that you made me look up "mokuhanga" on my own, haha. It's fascinating that this technique (in America) can be traced to a certain East Coast entry point, and not a more obvious entry one like in CA. As a "side" printmaker from decades ago, I have to say I don't recall ever learning about this approach. Funny that there some obvious elements of coloring books in this technique, but the watercolors yield something rather special. It feels like something between monoprints and more traditional block printing.
It is indeed a type of monoprinting. Nordfeldt was born in Sweden and learned mokuhanga in England, so he would have been more aware of the scene in Ptown than anything on the west coast. That said, he finally settled in Texas.
You know, of course, that this is gross cultural appropriation and that you are therefore a bad person. No wonder you can't get a grant, least of all in that shining bastion of purity known as Massachusetts. Apart from that, how is this even remotely sociopolitically relevant? What does this challenge? One suspects you are not just a Jew but (gasp!) one with Orthodox tendencies. Very disturbing.
But yes, Japanese graphics rock, at least when they're done by 100% genetically unalloyed Japanese.
Just followed your link to that print show at the MFA. I cannot help but wonder if this show would be happening if the printmakers involved were nearly all men as opposed to women. The matter is certainly stressed enough, not to say beaten into the ground. It comes across as "Oh, look, these are such nice prints, and they were made by women, too!" It's embarrassing, or rather, it should be. It's about how good the prints are as prints, meaning as graphic art, period.
For once, they didn't beat the identitarian angle to death, and there's a concurrent Hokusai exhibition for which the pairing is appropriate. I'll have more to say in the review.
Hokusai? Are they OK with his erotica, such as the female diver, uh, ravished by an octopus? Or is that acceptable now because diversity? It's so hard to keep up with the rules...
Well, Franklin, I found the title "Dinner Prep" to be triggering. It's too close to "meal prep," which is religiously pursued by people obsessed with their bodies and who pretty much work out for a living. Their results can be impressive, until you realize nobody looks that way naturally, meaning their bodies are artificial constructs. Still, I find them threatening, so I shouldn't be reminded of them. Thus, you're guilty of one transgression on top of another. I'm afraid you must be canceled.
Per an exchange we had a while back, this time the liberties taken in the representations contribute constructively to the integrity of the abstract composition. This time those liberties, because they are in line with the general character of the composition and aren't arbitrarily, perfunctorily applied because one didn't know what else to do, don't distract from my believing the depiction. I'd add that the craftsmanly, handmade feel of the technique is a warming and humanizing softening of the of the composition's geometric rigor.
You were right then and I believe you're right now. Thank you.
Thanks for showing. Nice to see.
You know, with these heavy outlines I've been working with they might be worth versioning in stained glass. Let me know if you want to collaborate.
Heavens, a fine idea. I'm buried alive just now, but I'll be sending some things your way soon.
Interesting! My only "nit" was that you made me look up "mokuhanga" on my own, haha. It's fascinating that this technique (in America) can be traced to a certain East Coast entry point, and not a more obvious entry one like in CA. As a "side" printmaker from decades ago, I have to say I don't recall ever learning about this approach. Funny that there some obvious elements of coloring books in this technique, but the watercolors yield something rather special. It feels like something between monoprints and more traditional block printing.
It is indeed a type of monoprinting. Nordfeldt was born in Sweden and learned mokuhanga in England, so he would have been more aware of the scene in Ptown than anything on the west coast. That said, he finally settled in Texas.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bror_Julius_Olsson_Nordfeldt
You know, of course, that this is gross cultural appropriation and that you are therefore a bad person. No wonder you can't get a grant, least of all in that shining bastion of purity known as Massachusetts. Apart from that, how is this even remotely sociopolitically relevant? What does this challenge? One suspects you are not just a Jew but (gasp!) one with Orthodox tendencies. Very disturbing.
But yes, Japanese graphics rock, at least when they're done by 100% genetically unalloyed Japanese.
For anyone new to this blog, Jack is being sardonic.
Just followed your link to that print show at the MFA. I cannot help but wonder if this show would be happening if the printmakers involved were nearly all men as opposed to women. The matter is certainly stressed enough, not to say beaten into the ground. It comes across as "Oh, look, these are such nice prints, and they were made by women, too!" It's embarrassing, or rather, it should be. It's about how good the prints are as prints, meaning as graphic art, period.
For once, they didn't beat the identitarian angle to death, and there's a concurrent Hokusai exhibition for which the pairing is appropriate. I'll have more to say in the review.
Hokusai? Are they OK with his erotica, such as the female diver, uh, ravished by an octopus? Or is that acceptable now because diversity? It's so hard to keep up with the rules...
Well, Franklin, I found the title "Dinner Prep" to be triggering. It's too close to "meal prep," which is religiously pursued by people obsessed with their bodies and who pretty much work out for a living. Their results can be impressive, until you realize nobody looks that way naturally, meaning their bodies are artificial constructs. Still, I find them threatening, so I shouldn't be reminded of them. Thus, you're guilty of one transgression on top of another. I'm afraid you must be canceled.