ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Japanese Woodblock Print Exhibition at York Art Gallery Traces 300 Years of Artistic Evolution

exhibition · 2026-03-24

York Art Gallery in the UK is presenting an exhibition of over 100 Japanese woodblock prints spanning from the 17th to 21st centuries. The show features works by renowned artists including Katsushika Hokusai, Utagawa Hiroshige, and Kitagawa Utamaro, exploring the development of ukiyo-e prints and their cultural context. It examines how printmaking evolved from depictions of the 'floating world' and urban entertainments to landscapes and responses to societal changes. The exhibition includes Hokusai's famous 'Under the Wave off Kanagawa' and contemporary works by artists like Rebecca Salter. Running until August 30, 2026, the display incorporates loans from institutions such as the British Museum and the British Library.

Key facts

  • Exhibition features over 100 Japanese woodblock prints from 17th-21st centuries
  • Includes works by Katsushika Hokusai, Utagawa Hiroshige, and Kitagawa Utamaro
  • Explores ukiyo-e genre development and societal influences
  • Showcases Hokusai's 'Under the Wave off Kanagawa' (The Great Wave)
  • Runs until August 30, 2026 at York Art Gallery in York, UK

Entities

Artists

Institutions

Locations

  • York
  • UK
  • Edo
  • Tokyo
  • Kyoto

Sources