Japanese painting. Modern Japanese Painting

Japanese painting - the oldest and most refined kind of fine art, which covers a lot of techniques and styles. Throughout its history, it has undergone a large number of changes. New traditions and genres were added, and the original Japanese principles remained. Along with the amazing history of Japan, painting is also ready to present many unique and interesting facts.

Ancient Japan

The first styles of Japanese painting appear in the most ancient historical period of the country, even before BC. E. Then the art was pretty primitive. First, in 300 BC. E., there were various geometric figures that were performed on pottery with the help of sticks. By a later period, such a finding by archaeologists, as an ornament on bronze bells, applies.

A little later, already in 300 AD. E., there are rock carvings, which are much more diverse than geometric ornament. These are full-fledged images with images. They were found inside the crypts, and probably the people who were drawn on them were buried in these burial grounds.

In the 7th century AD E. Japan accepts the writing, which comes from China. Approximately at the same time, the first pictures come from there. Then there is painting as a separate sphere of art.

Edo

Edo - this is not the first and not the last school of Japanese painting, but in culture it was she who brought a lot of new things. Firstly, it's brightness and color, which were added to the usual technique, performed in black and gray tones. The most outstanding artist of this style is Sotasu. He created classic paintings, but his characters were very colorful. Later he switched to nature, and most landscapes were performed against a background of gilding.

Secondly, in the Edo period there was an exotic, a genre of namban. It used modern European and Chinese techniques that interwoven with traditional Japanese styles.

And thirdly, the Nang school appears. In it, artists at first completely imitate or even copy the works of Chinese masters. Then a new branch appears, which is called the bungege.

Modernization period

Edo period is replaced by Meiji, and now Japanese painting is forced to enter a new stage of development. At this time throughout the world became popular such genres as the western and the like, so the modernization of art has become an ordinary state of affairs. However, in Japan, a country where all people worship traditions, at the moment the state of things was very different from what was happening in other countries. Here, the competition between European and local technicians is fierce.

The government at this stage gives its preference to young artists, who place great hopes on improving skills in Western styles. Therefore, they send them to the schools of Europe and America.

But it was only at the beginning of the period. The fact is that well-known critics quite severely criticized Western art. To avoid a big stir around this issue, European styles and techniques began to be banned at exhibitions, their display ceased, as, indeed, popularity.

The emergence of European styles

Then comes the period of Taisho. At this time, young artists who left to study in foreign schools, come back to their homeland. Naturally, with themselves they bring new styles of Japanese painting, which are very similar to European ones. Impressionism and post-impressionism appear.

At this stage, many schools are being formed, in which the ancient Japanese styles are being revived. But it is not possible to completely get rid of Western trends. Therefore, we have to combine several techniques to please both classical lovers and fans of modern European painting.

Some schools are funded by the state, so many of the national traditions are preserved. Private owners are forced to go on about consumers who wanted something new, they are tired of the classics.

Painting of WWII times

After the onset of wartime, Japanese painting for some time remained aloof from the events. It developed separately and independently. But it could not go on forever.

Over time, when the political situation in the country is getting worse, high and respected figures attract many artists. Some of them begin to create in patriotic styles even at the beginning of the war. The rest proceed to this process only on the orders of the authorities.

Accordingly, the Japanese art in the period of the Second World War was especially incapable of developing. Therefore, for painting it can be called stagnant.

Eternal suybokuga

Japanese painting sumi-e, or suybokuga, in translation means "drawing ink." This determines the style and technique of this art. It came from China, but the Japanese decided to call it in their own way. And initially the technique did not have any aesthetic side. It was used by monks for self-improvement during the study of Zen. Moreover, first they drew pictures, and subsequently trained the concentration when viewing them. Monks believed that perfection is helped by strict lines, vague tones and shadows - all that is called monochrome.

Japanese ink painting, despite the wide variety of pictures and techniques, is not as complex as it might seem at first glance. It is based on only 4 stories:

1. Chrysanthemum.
2. Orchid.
3. Plum branch.
4. Bamboo.

A small number of plots does not make mastering the technique quick. Some masters believe that studying lasts a lifetime.

Despite the fact that sumi-e has appeared for a long time, it is always in demand. Moreover, today it is possible to meet the masters of this school not only in Japan, it is also widespread far beyond its borders.

Modern period

At the end of the Great Patriotic War, art in Japan flourished only in large cities, villagers and village dwellers had enough worries. For the most part, artists have tried to turn their backs on the loss of wartime and depict modern city life on canvases with all its decorations and features. European and American ideas were successfully adopted, but this state of affairs did not last long. Many masters began to gradually move away from them towards the Japanese schools.

Traditional style has always been fashionable. Therefore, modern Japanese painting can differ only in technique or materials used in the process. But most artists do not perceive different innovations.

It is impossible not to mention fashionable modern subcultures, such as anime and similar styles. Many artists are trying to erase the line between the classics and what is in demand today. For the most part, this state of affairs is due to commerce. Classics and traditional genres do not actually buy, accordingly, it is unprofitable to work as an artist in your favorite genre, you have to adapt to the fashion.

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, Japanese painting is a whole storehouse of fine art. Perhaps, the country in question was the only one that did not go on about Western trends, did not adapt to fashion. Despite a lot of strikes during the arrival of new techniques, Japanese artists still managed to defend national traditions in many genres. Probably, that is why in modern times at exhibitions very much appreciate the paintings made in classical styles.