SAN DIEGO, CA.- Mingei International Museum is now commencing the exhibition Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper. For over 1,000 years, Japan has produced some of the world’s finest paper, using strong natural fibers and exceptional production techniques passed down through the generations. Japanese handmade paper, known as washi (和紙) is still made in some areas of Japan and used in painting, calligraphy, origami and other traditional art forms. This exhibition features work by nine contemporary Japanese artists: Hina Aoyama, Eriko Horiki, Kyoko Ibe, Yoshio Ikezaki, Kakuko Ishii, Yuko Kimura, Yuko Nishimura, Takaaki Tanaka and Ayomi Yoshida.

Washi Transformed presents over 30 highly textured two-dimensional works, expressive sculptures, and dramatic installations that explore the astonishing potential of this traditional medium. In this exhibition, nine Japanese artists embrace the seemingly infinite possibilities of washi, underscoring the unique stature this ancient art form has earned in the realm of international contemporary art. The breathtaking creativity of these artistic visionaries deepens our understanding of how the past informs the present, and how it can build lasting cultural bridges out of something as seemingly simple and ephemeral as paper.

“These nine contemporary Japanese artists are revisiting their nation’s traditional material and elevating it into a medium for expressive and often spectacular works of art,” says Meher McArthur.

Recently, contemporary Japanese artists have been turning to this supple yet sturdy material, using it as a medium for creating highly textured two-dimensional works, complex sculptures and dramatic installations. Employing techniques ranging from layering, weaving and dying, to twisting, folding and cutting, these artists demonstrate the endless contemporary applications of this ancient material.

Like many of the works made by known and unknown makers in Mingei International Museum’s permanent collection, the artists in Washi Transformed take an everyday material and make it extraordinary. The notion of creating beauty from an everyday object is at the heart of the Museum and this exhibition expands the understanding of what paper is and can be.

MINGEI INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM

Located in San Diego’s Balboa Park, Mingei International Museum collects, preserves and exhibits folk art, craft and design from all eras and cultures of the world. Within a newly reopened facility that includes an education center, theater, shop, restaurant and plenty of free, accessible public space, the Museum offers inspiring exhibitions and diverse community and educational programs to more than 100,000 visitors a year. As the presenter of San Diego Design Week and a partner to over 50 local artists and art and cultural organizations, Mingei puts celebrating creativity at the core of its mission through workshops, film festivals, lectures and more.

Mingei International Museum
Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper
October 14th, 2023 - January 7th, 2024
Meher McArthur: Art & Cultural Director of Japan House, Los Angeles, and a curator and historian of Japanese art.