080066 UE Japonisme. In Search of a New Style (2020W)

Since the more intensive economic and political relationships from 1853 onwards, Japan and the West have had a fascination for one another, which has been increasingly reflected in the visual and applied arts here and there. Japan presented itself at large exhibitions and trade fairs and at the same time invited western "consultants".
Up until the period around 1920-1930, the “Japanese model” fascinated artists all over Europe, decisive impulses from the East Asian country contributed to the development of European modernism.

The exercise JAPONISME not only wants to examine formal bonds and variations, it should also ask why Japan in particular triggered this fascination.

Divided into several subject groups, we want to understand the developments from the 1860s to after 1918.

We will also visit current collections in museums and exhibitions in Vienna and "search for Japonisme".

Working in smaller groups is used for a more intensive exchange of knowledge, but also research of collections that are not permanently shown.
ATTENTION: these meetings take place on other dates that are arranged in advance.

The current draft for the course of the exercise is based on a “normal” teaching company. Should there be any changes due to the Corona crisis, these will be communicated on the website www.wieninger.com/japo.

Japan at the world exhibitions

Large exhibitions were the only way for many to see originals and “strange” things.
In 1869, a Japanese section was shown for the first time at the Paris World Exhibition, but compiled by a private party. It wasn't until 1873 that there was a very extensive show that was put together for the Vienna World Exhibition. Up to the Paris World Exhibition in 1925 (Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industrielles Modernes) you can see how Japan presented itself to the West.

Western collectors and collections

Collectors and collections made it possible to know originals directly.
In parallel and together, artists and museums discovered the art of Japan.

Artist associations

A phenomenon of the 19th century is the more or less loose association of artists who were looking for a renewal (reform) of the art language. It is precisely in these circles that a tendency to look for inspiration in the model of Japan can be observed.

Personalities

In addition to artist associations, individuals - dealers, artists, collectors, theorists - also had a major influence on European art.

Encounter in ornament

The search for a new artificial language was closely connected with the search for new ornamentation. In this context, it is also interesting to investigate the extent to which “ornament art” contributed to the emergence of “woman art” at the beginning of the 20th century.