Japanese Standoff: Three Artists in Dialogue Through Paper at Studio E.T. Works

The exhibition 'The Japanese Standoff' at Studio E.T. Works in Rome's San Lorenzo district brings together three artists spanning three continents and nearly 250 years: Utagawa Hiroshige (1797–1858), Ennio Tamburi (1936–2018), and Mathew McWilliams (born 1973). Curated by Luca Arnaudo and Roberto Lacarbonara, the show explores paper as a common substrate rather than a shared artistic lineage. Two Hiroshige prints anchor the display with intricate traditional imagery. Tamburi's works on delicate oriental papers float against walls, animated by air currents. McWilliams, the only living artist, combines painting, photography, and inkjet printing in luminous experiments. The title references a standoff between equally matched opponents, suggesting a respectful stalemate where each artist maintains their position. The exhibition runs at Studio E.T. Works in Rome.