This publication, and the accompanying exhibition, presents the vital contributions of two of Japan's most remarkable artists, Kurosaki Akira and Nakabayashi Tadayoshi, who participated in and influenced the twentieth-century renaissance of printmaking in Japan. This cultural phenomenon grew as the artists underwent rigorous training while maintaining a robust interest in traditional printing methods, such as the world-renowned woodblock technique. Coupled with their innovative experimentation, the two printers spearheaded a revival that expanded upon established printing techniques.

The unusual juxtaposition of two contemporary artists emphasises both Kurosaki and Nakabayashi's masterpieces and their individual contributions to the ongoing development of Japanese printmaking. This pairing also highlights the distinctiveness, cultural relevance and novelty of their work. Both born in 1937 and similarly trained, Kurosaki and Nakabayashi pursued different topics and employed distinctive colour palettes. Despite these differences, they both excelled at abstract artmaking and are celebrated for their masterful storytelling.

While this resurgence of creative printmaking was propelled by technical invention and newly emerging abstract styles, its themes engaged with the rapid transformations of post-war Japan. The era saw a trend toward self-expression and ushered in an unprecedented age of experimentation and innovation in the arts.

Following the publication and display of Noda Tetsuya’s work in 2022, this complementary project benefitted again from Steven Co’s generous support and knowledge, as well as from Noda’s informative text that makes this volume a crucial reference work that situates Kurosaki and Nakabayashi in their respective time and place.

Florian Knothe is Director and curator of the University Museum and Art Gallery at the University of Hong Kong. He researches the history of arts in Europe and Asia in the 17th through the 21st centuries, with a particular focus on cross-cultural influences. Over the past decade he has organised a number of significant contemporary Japanese art exhibitions.