Cherry Blossom / Genjoraku , 2010, ink on paper and silk, 16 x 47 inches
Yumiko Nagata, a Gataku artist, will present a series of works for her solo exhibition at Onishi Gallery from June 17 through June 30, 2010. The exhibition will feature 12 of her latest works.
Nagata’s works are inspired by an ancient picture scroll, Tales of Genji Scroll, which dates back to the early 12th century. The central theme of her works is Gagaku dance as depicted in the scroll, where the dancers perform on brocade cloth spread in a garden. Nagata uses her original relief printing method, Gataku, to form lines and shapes in Japanese calligraphy ink on washi paper.
In Gataku, Nagata starts by making her own Tagane. Tagane are used to cut the design into the surface of a sliver plate, which is then inked all over before finally transferring the ink onto handmade washi paper. Tagane is a traditional Japanese tool for metalwork. Nagata makes and uses about 100 Tagane to create reliefs.
The real art of Gataku lies in the process of careful ink application and printing. The application of ink on silver requires great precision and patience, so as not to disturb the delicate lines and shapes on the surface. During the printing process, Nagata depends almost solely on her intuition, her inner aesthetic inspiration, gained from years of experience, to vary the pressures of printing, thereby achieving the desired effects.
Gataku is Nagata’s distinctive method, essential for her artistic expression. Despite using methods which are deceptively simple she is capable of expressing the delicacy and subtlety which lies at the soul of her subject, courtly dancing in a culture of high elegance and refinement.
Nagata has had solo exhibitions in Japan, Milan, London, and New York. Her works have been acclaimed by il Giornale, a prominent Italian News Paper.