FARMINGTON, ME (May 11, 2023)—The UMF Art Gallery is excited to present a Pop-Up Show of Japanese Hanging Scrolls. Viewing of the exhibit is available Tuesday, May 16, from 12-4 p.m., and Wednesday and Thursday, May 17 and 18, from 3-6 p.m., and by appointment. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
“Octopus” – (Showa Period; 20th century)
Originating in Zen temples in China and Japan, painted by monks as objects of contemplation, hanging scrolls (kakejiku) became the central focus of middle and upper-class households in historical Japan. The scroll marked the change of year and seasons, special occasions and special guests, and lent a theme to every gathering as it hung in the alcove behind the seat of the head of household or honored guest. By the Edo period (1603-1867) the hanging scroll played an important role in the developing arts of tea ceremony and flower arrangement.
With fewer and fewer traditional Japanese houses built since the war, many wonderful scrolls find themselves sold in temple fleamarkets and online. This short exhibition is composed of such scrolls as well as several gyotaku, direct prints made by fishermen from the bodies of their best catches.
The exhibition was prompted by the planned visit to the gallery on May 16th by 5th and 6th graders led by teacher Susan Boyce-Cormier in the Discovery Program of the Western Maine Educational Collaborative (WMEC).
The UMF Art Gallery is dedicated to bringing contemporary art to the campus and regional communities. The gallery is located at 246 Main Street, behind the Admissions Office. Gallery hours are Tuesdays-Sundays 12-4 p.m., and by appointment. Please contact Sarah at maline@maine.edu or 778-1062 for more information or to make an appointment.
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EDITOR’S NOTE:
Image: https://www.umf.maine.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/2023/05/RP223-056.jpg
Photo Caption: “Octopus” – (Showa Period; 20th century)
Photo Credit: Submitted Image