Impressionism: Shimmering Visions; Japanese Prints: The Floating World (Ukiyo-e)

Providing commentary on artistic works within a historical and social context, Impressionism begins in 19th century Paris, a mecca for art students and artists. Here, the annual juried exhibition of the salon was the main market for painting and sculpture and those artists whose works were rejected could face a life of poverty and obscurity. In 1874, some of these "refusés rented a gallery on the fashionable Boulevard des Capucines, bypassing the judge--so to speak--and appealing directly to the public. Monet, Renoir, Pissaro, Morisot, Sisley and Degas received mixed reviews from the press and were sarcastically dubbed "Impressionists" after Monet's "Impression, Sunrise." Although these impressionists did not remain together long, history has kept them together because of the common elements in their works. Viewers will see representative works by the artists, as well as learn a bit about the artists who influenced the Impressionists. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P.For 250 years, while Europe underwent the Renaissance and the age of scientific discovery, Japan remained isolated from the outside world. Printmaking flourished during that time, the most popular form being Ukiyo-e, a wood print art form whose name refers to the fleeting nature of life. In Japanese Prints: The Floating World (Ukiyo-e), viewers will learn how wood prints were made and be introduced to the development of the various schools depicting figures from the Kabuki theater, Sumo wrestlers, women of the floating world, scenes of nature and landscape prints. When Admiral Perry opened Japan to trade, modern printing techniques and photography were introduced, causing the demise of this art. A concise overview of a culture, a period and an artform, this is a beautifully illustrated introduction. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Reed)