WHO/WHAT: The Hawaii Japanese Center presents an exhibition of contemporary mokuhanga
(moku = wood and hanga = printing) by some of the Big Island’s finest woodblock print artists — Hiroki
Morinoue, Lonny Tomono and Glenn Yamanoha.
Mokuhanga differs from Western methods in that it uses natural materials such as wood, paper, bamboo, rice paste and water. A woodblock is carved with a relief image, ink is applied, paper is carefully positioned and pressure is applied with a printing pad to create a print. A unifying element is the use of water. The blocks, paper and brushes are dampened and water-based inks are applied. The ink literally stains the fibers of the moist washi (Japanese handmade mulberry paper). The resulting image has a distinctive, soft feel, unlike Western printing in which oil-based inks sit on the surface of the paper. The art of mokuhanga reflects the artists’ reverence for the spirit in the wood and earth’s natural elements.
WHEN/WHERE/COST: Through Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Hawaii Japanese Center (751 Kanoelehua Ave.). The center will be closed on Saturday, Oct. 7. Gallery hours are Wednesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free. For information, email contact@hawaiijapanesecenter.com, or call (808) 934-9611 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Wednesday to Saturday.
