If you happen to live in York, or if you are planning a visit there this summer, then you may want to catch a wonderful exhibition at the York Art Gallery, entitled: Making Waves – The Art of Japanese Woodblock Print.
The exhibition features images related to over three hundred years of Japanese print-making history from the 17th to 21st century. You can see the techniques and study these woodblock prints displaying characters from; kabuki theatre, warriors, battles, geishas, domestic scenes of women and children and wild birds. The detail is so delicate and accurate; the accompanying Japanese writing appears beautiful and intricate.
The picture featured is the world-renowned image of The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Katsushika Hokusai, created around 1831 as a woodblock print, which features on the main gallery poster (see below). The frothy white waves look like curved, sharp menacing fingers, ready to attack their victims. There are three boats being tossed around in the waters, whilst Mount Fuji presides majestically in the distance. There are other works by famous Japanese artists such as Utagawa Hiroshige and Kitagawa Utamaro.
Japan has a vast, ancient culture and a unique artistic heritage covering; art, calligraphy, theatre, fashion, ceramics, architecture, ceremony, martial arts, etc., which is evident in these woodblock prints from centuries ago. Many Western nineteenth century artists were influenced by Japanese art; Monet, Van Gough, Degas, Klimt and Tissot, to name but a few. If you are a fan of modern-day Manga or Anime, you may be curious about this exhibition regarding Japan’s artistic tradition and these woodblock prints.
Please search the York Art Gallery website yourself to check out admissions, prices and opening times; this exhibition may appeal to you if you are interested in art or Japanese culture in general. (Please note that I am in no way affiliated with York Art Gallery; I visited the exhibition a couple of months ago and my views are my own.)
Photo taken of the start of the exhibition of Making Waves at York Art Gallery, May 2026.
