USM PENANG, 10 March 2022 – Come explore the world of 1970’s Japanese Prints exhibition at the Tuanku Fauziah Museum and Gallery (MGTF) Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) from 10 March to 8 April 2022, in cooperation with the Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur, entitled ‘Photographic Images and Matter: Japanese Prints of the 1970s.’

The exhibition features print expressions from the 1970s as seen in the work of 14 artists who helped to develop a print movement in the world of Japanese contemporary art in the 1970’s.

During the golden age of art in Japan, there was a strong focus on materials such as print blocks, paper and ink, used to create artworks that were one-of-a kind, and these subjective expressions were based on photographic images and matter which greatly expanded the print medium while also helped to shape trends in contemporary art as a whole.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation, Professor Dato’ Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed in his welcoming speech said that the collaborative effort in organising such exhibitions will not only strengthen the relationship of both countries, but most importantly will allow us to establish a window to look at meaningful and sustainable cultural exchanges for students, staff and the public at large, in order for them to witness the creative thoughts and ideas of internationally recognised artists and designers without having to travel abroad.

“This will broaden their minds and obviously enable them to think creatively. This is the kind of effort that is hoped to inspire young Malaysians to produce internationally recognised creative works,” he said.

“For that, I would like to call upon more collaborative efforts in the future and let us map USM as one of the most desirable venues for art and science exhibitions in the region, a meeting place for arts and science lovers,” added Abdul Rahman.

The opening ceremony was officiated by the Consul-General from the Consulate-General of Japan in Penang, His Excellency Mr. Orikasa Hiroyuki.

In his opening speech, he highlighted that Japan in the 1970’s was in the era of industrial development as the economy was booming and the standard of living was  gradually moving higher year by year, and the word 3C (color TV, cooler and car) was popular, and he believed that it is important to understand the origin of change and its history.

“I hope that this exhibition will provide an opportunity for everyone to learn what transformed Japan in the 1970’s, with clues and hints for everyone to foresee the future,” he said.

Also present at the ceremony were the Director of Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur, Mr. Shimada Seiya; MGTF Director, Associate Professor Hasnul Jamal Saidon; Dean of School of Languages, Literacies and Translation, Professor Dr. Salasiah Che Lah; Dean of School of the Arts, Associate Professor Dr. Sarena Abdullah and officials from USM.

The exhibition is open to the public at no charge, from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm, on Mondays till Saturdays.

Visitors who wish to make reservations to visit the exhibition, kindly click on the link provided:

https://form.jotform.com/212937527693063

The exhibition was first exhibited at Level 5, GMBB, Kuala Lumpur from 17 January to 27 January 2022 and after Penang, this travelling exhibition will be going to Sabah at the Sabah Art Gallery, from 18 April to 18 May 2022.

The art movement was brought by Tetsuya Noda, the recipient of the International Grand Prize in the sixth edition of the International Biennial Exhibition of Prints, back in 1968.

Noda’s works in transforming photographic portraits of his family into prints led to huge changes in prints globally, creating parallels between trends in contemporary prints and art, while inspiring future developments in the artistic sphere.

The exhibition is divided into two sections, namely “The Age of Photographic Images” which focuses on the use of photographic images in the print medium, and “Images of Autonomous Matter,” which focuses on works that were shaped by the intentions of matter.

Text: Nur Farrah Ezlin Mohd Suhaimi/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md Isa