CWAJ’s 68th Print Show Bridges Art, Culture and Education in Tokyo
The annual CWAJ Print Show, a cornerstone of the Japanese art scene since 1956, returned for its 68th iteration. It showcased the vibrant world of contemporary Japanese prints while funding life-changing scholarships. The exhibition is a gallery and non-profit effort by the College Women’s Association of Japan (CWAJ) to promote education and cultural exchange.
The show featured works by 208 artists, ranging from masters to emerging talents. Proceeds directly supported CWAJ Scholarships for women as well as men and women with visual impairments while also helping foster the next generation of artists.
What Awards Support Artists at the CWAJ Print Show?
CWAJ highlights its commitment to supporting artists through two key awards, providing substantial financial backing. This support is vital, as artists often use the funds to buy their own printing press or an expensive place for visibility.
The two main honors are:
- Young Printmaker Award
- Loro Piana Woman Artist Award
Director of Print Show Naoko Yagura said the Young Printmaker Award has proven immensely successful, with “almost all 21 awardees really thriving in the print making world in Japan.”
For recipients such as artist Yu Feng, the award signifies a profound appreciation for their work and gives them “so much confidence.” This award is also seen as a crucial opportunity for younger artists who “don’t have much chance to show their artwork after graduating from university.”
Why is the CWAJ Print Show Important to Japanese Printmakers?
The Print Show holds a special significance for the artists, many of whom are deeply committed to the CWAJ mission. Veteran printmaker Tamekane Yoshikatsu views the CWAJ Print Show as a “very important show in Japan for connecting print makers and Japanese audiences.”
The exhibition offers unique benefits to artists:
- Global Visibility: It provides a “very rare chance to show our artworks to foreigners and tourists.”
- Purposeful Sales: Beyond the chance to sell their pieces, artists appreciate the unique feeling that comes with their art being “useful for another person,” knowing the sales directly fund student scholarships.
- Career Boost: For younger artists, being selected and exhibited provides a massive confidence boost, allowing them to believe in their work and continue their artist life.
How is the CWAJ Print Show Expanding Globally?
CWAJ has ambitious plans for the future and is already working toward making its upcoming 70th print show more international. This global reach is evident through successful initiatives started recently:
- Online Gallery Success: The successful online gallery, which started after covid, has established an international appeal. CWAJ now ships overseas and receives many orders from all over the world.
- Overseas Exhibitions: CWAJ has taken the show overseas, most recently to Cape Cod, Mass. for a successful third exhibition there.
The online gallery has shown that it’s not just typical Japanese prints that sell, but also quite avant garde, contemporary pieces, speaking to the worldwide appreciation for diverse Japanese printmaking.
What is the Ultimate Goal of the CWAJ Scholarship Program?
The ultimate purpose of the CWAJ Print Show is to fund a diverse scholarship program. CWAJ President Heidi Sweetnam says they seek to empower women by offering support to “go beyond the borders to find programs they can’t find domestically.”
The scholarship program aims to:
- Fund Specialized Degrees: Support women pursuing degrees in fields where they may not be adequately supported in Japan, such as physics.
- Enable Study Abroad: Provide funds for specialized education, such as chiropractic degrees which require studying abroad.
The organization’s mission has been active for a remarkable 68 years, thanks to the generosity of the artists who submit their work. As Sweetnam states, “We believe that art is a bridge to cultural understanding and building good relations with Japan.”
FAQ
Is There a Special Program for Visitors with Visual Impairments?
Yes. The exhibition offers a Hands-on Art program, which features tactile relief images and volunteer guides, ensuring visitors with visual impairments can also enjoy the work.
Conclusion
The annual CWAJ Print Show is a vital cultural event, successfully increasing the visibility of Japanese printmakers while funding diverse, life-changing scholarships. It stands as a testament to the idea that art is a bridge—connecting artists to audiences, culture to education and Tokyo to the world.Stay connected to the world of Japanese art, culture and educational opportunities: Subscribe to the GoConnect newsletter today!