In our final February feature on language-learning beyond the classroom, first-year student Luna tells us how the study of Japanese woodcuts inspired her own watercolour painting…
I’m a first-year student in the SMLC studying Italian, Japanese and Linguistics. My Japanese module introduces us to many fascinating aspects of Japanese culture, from festivals such as Setsubun — the day before the beginning of spring, celebrated by throwing roasted beans — to modern Japanese customs like the Fukubukuro, a good-fortune bag for New Year.
After learning about Japanese art, I painted this watercolour piece on rice paper. I was inspired by Sharaku’s ukiyo-e (Japanese woodblock printing) design of Otani Oniji III in the role of the Servant Edobei as well as by Utagawa Kuniyoshi’s ukiyo-e of Cats Practising their music. I was very much drawn to the Kabuki actor’s exaggerated expression, and I also found the image of animals wearing traditional Japanese clothing very playful. The combination of the serious expression of Kabuki actor and the comedic aspect of depicting an animal in clothing created an interesting juxtaposition for me.
My choice of animal was inspired byJapanese watercolours depicting frogs, many of them with an overstated downturned mouth that matched well with Sharaku’s woodprint.
University of Warwick | School of Modern Languages and Cultures 