Art enthusiasts, take note: “Kabuki in Print” is now available for viewing on the upper level of the Asian Library. The show is presented in celebration of the Asian Library’s 50th anniversary, and in anticipation of the performance of TomoeArts’ production of “ODORI: The World of Kabuki Dance,” which will be performed at UBC’s Frederic Wood Theatre on April 10 and 11.
The exhibition examines the intimate relationship between woodblock printing and Kabuki theatre. The images document the wide thematic range of popular entertainment during the Edo period (1600-1868).
The show draws from private print collections supplemented by art historical publications from UBC Library’s collection. Highlights include several original Japanese woodblock prints by popular artists Utagawa Toyokuni (1769–1825), Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797–1861) and Toyohara Kunichika (1835–1900).
“Kabuki in Print” runs until May 16. It is curated by Maiko Behr and presented by the Canadian Society for Asian Arts in conjunction with UBC’s Asian Library.