Masami Teraoka - Art Residency
Masami Teraoka is a Japanese artists living, and working in Hawaii (USA) that joined our residency program in June 2023.
Working side by side with printmaker Julia Ozherelyeva the artist produced a series of small zinc plate etchings belonging to a sector of his personal research inspired by the Edo period Japanese tradition of woodblock carving called Ukio-e. In his artistic research, Masami appropriated artistic languages from the past - such as Ukio-e, medieval, and renaissance painting styles - approaching contemporary social, cultural, and political themes and issues. Teraoka’s works often focused on the meeting of East and West addressing the economic and cultural impact globalization.
Mere depiction of social and cultural issues is not enough. My work has to create something that goes beyond simple perception. To make a strong statement, art needs timeless aesthetic qualities. These can take any subject matter to a higher level of experience. That is the essence of what I am pursuing. (Paintings by Masami Teraoka, 1996, p.55.)
Masami Teraoka (Onomichi, Hiroshima,1936), graduated in 1959 with a B.A. in aesthetic from Kwansei Gakuin University. Later, he continued his education in the USA at Otis College of Art and Design di Los Angeles to receive a B.F.A. in 1964 and an M.F.A. in 1968. His work is represented in more than 50 public collections worldwide, notably MoMA and Tate Modern of London and is represented by Catharine Clark Gallery.
Printmaking assistance: Julia Ozherelieva - Photography: Erica Monzali