2 – Keynote Speaker

Prof. Yuji Hiratsuka:  Art of printmaking: process and aesthetics

Yuji Hiratsuka, professor of art at Oregon State University in Corvallis will talk about his work. He will discuss the aesthetic and technical aspects of his prints. Yuji Hiratsuka mixes west and east in his work. There is less of an emphasis on socio-cultural commentary but more of an emphasis about the placement of interplay of the visual effects. His images bear a slight resemblance to traditional Japanese Ukiyo-e prints (which were frequently decorative, brightly-colored and featured highly-stylized exaggerated and distorted figures) while also expressing contemporary aspects of the western world. Hiratsuka will also explain the unique technique of his mutlicolor intaglio (etching) printmaking process.