Munakata Shikō (Japan, 1903 1975) Fox and Wolf designed 1953, printed 1960. Woodblock print; ink and colors on paper. Image: 13 3/4 x 11 1/2 in. © LACMA, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Felix Juda.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Modern Japanese prints: The Juda family legacy
December 7, 2013 – June 22, 2014
The Helen and Felix Juda Gallery, level 3
Traditionally, the production of Japanese woodblock prints entailed the cooperation of numerous individuals including the designer of the image as well as a carver, printer, and publisher.
In the early decades of the 20th century, while some print artists followed the traditional route, others saw new possibilities of expression to be found in the print medium. This contingent of artists formed what was to become known as the creative print (sōsaku hanga) movement.
The actual hands-on production of prints became an important factor with the physical acts of carving, inking, and printing the final image onto paper seen as integral to the creative process. The term sōsaku hanga referred to the artist’s direct participation in the execution of the finished work.
It was in this evolving Japanese print movement that Helen and Felix Juda were to immerse themselves. From their initial forays as collectors in the early 1960s, the Judas forged relationships with artists, dealers, and other collectors.
As collectors, scholars, and promoters of the field, the Judas were instrumental in disseminating information about the artists and their works. It was perhaps the sharing of their passion with others that the Judas most cherished and which remains their most lasting contribution.
They enjoyed introducing people to the field, exposing them to unfamiliar modes of expression, and bringing attention to a little-known contingent of creative artists.
LACMA and the local Los Angeles community in particular benefited from the Juda’s efforts with the museum acquiring hundreds of prints donated or funded by Helen and Felix Juda.
Moreover, the Juda’s passion for the field inspired others in their family to appreciate and collect modern Japanese prints, several of whom have contributed works to this exhibition.
Modern Japanese Prints: The Juda Family Legacy is exhibited at the Pavilion for Japanese Art of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036. www.lacma.org
Museum hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 11am – 5pm; Friday, 11am – 8pm; Saturday and Sunday, 10am – 7pm; Closed Wednesdays.
For further information about Japanese art exhibitions at LACMA, call (323) 857-6565.