Maki Haku, Japanese, 1924-2000, Flower Song – 3, 1968, woodblock print; ink and color on embossed paper, Gift of Sue Y. S. Kimm and Seymour Grufferman 2019.78.216

The Poetic Forms of Maki Haku: Prints from the Kimm-Grufferman Collection

The Poetic Forms of Maki Haku: Prints from the Kimm-Grufferman Collection

June 4, 2022 - April 9, 2023
Galleries 226, 227, 237
Free Exhibition

Writing, geometric forms, and textures collide in the works of Maki Haku (1924-2000). Although he never received formal training, Maki learned about printmaking by associating with artists of sōsaku hanga (creative print movement), who valued the artist’s hand in the creation of prints. Maki made his own printing blocks by carving a motif onto a piece of plywood, filling the carved-out areas with cement paste, and passing the print several times through a press to achieve various textures. Calligraphy is central to his works; he sometimes manipulates calligraphy to defy reading, thereby drawing attention to the form of Chinese characters. This exhibition features prints given to Mia from the extensive collection of Sue Y.S. Kimm and Seymour Grufferman.

Maki Haku, Japanese, 1924-2000, Flower Song – 3, 1968, woodblock print; ink and color on embossed paper, Gift of Sue Y. S. Kimm and Seymour Grufferman 2019.78.216