Location:

Tokyo, Japan

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Summer

Program Overview

Program Description:

With focus on the art of printmaking and papermaking traditions in Japan, this study abroad program will offer students the opportunity to experience firsthand the traditional and contemporary Japanese art and culture. Students will immerse themselves in the art and craft of papermaking and printmaking through museum and gallery visits, guest lectures, demonstrations, and experiential learning through hands-on papermaking and printmaking in Tokyo and Kyoto regions. Half of the program will involve students participating in immersive creative experiences by participating in the two major Artist Residency programs in Japan. Students will be exposed to the history and culture of Japan through studying Japanese art, specifically traditional Ukiyo-e prints and modern/contemporary visual art. Subject matters and themes in the prints will help guide the study of traditional Japanese culture, as we examine images that depict Kabuki theatre actors, images of Yoshiwara, traditional crafts and makers, and views such as Mt. Fuji. Conversely, exposure to contemporary Japanese artists and their works will enlighten and deepen our understanding of current Japan. The program courses will combine travel, site visits, lectures, demonstrations, and time to make art. Time will be divided between five locations that will give us access to both traditional Japanese visual art and contemporary culture.

Upon completion of the program, students will receive six credit hours in the form of ART 500: Visualizing Traditional and Contemporary Japan Through the Art of Printmaking and Papermaking. The program course combines observation and hand-on experiential learning, culminating in a final project chosen by the student. Students will be expected to keep a thoughtful sketchbook in order to assist them in completing their final project.

Setting Description:

The trip will begin in the historical city of Kyoto where students will visit traditional woodblock printer’s studio and carver’s studio, and contemporary artist's studio. An all day visit to Seika University Art Department is scheduled as well as tours to important historical temples, parks, museums, and other inspirational sites for young art students. After Kyoto, participants will travel to Awa Yamakawa-cho which is located near Tokushima (approximately 2 hours southwest of Osaka) on the Shikoku Island. In Yamakawa participants will learn about making paper using age old practices at the Awagami Paper Factory and Museum. This will be the first location where participants will spend time creating art. The group will spend a week in this small town attending lectures and demonstrations given by craftpersons at Awagami as well as KU Professor Shawn Bitters. Participants will visit Naoshima, “the Art Island” which will give students a taste of contemporary art and architecture harmo

Cost:

https://ku.studioabroad.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.BudgetSheet&Term=Summer&Program_ID=10463