Tara Austin's Blog 1

Pre-Raphaelite Technique and Ikeda Manabu

            Pre-Raphaelite’s exquisite and exact technique is not only revered today but was also recognized, although maybe not accepted, in their time. The use of highly detailed, intensely time-consuming practice in painting today is rare. Ikeda Manibu is one of those noteworthy modern artists who does use such a meticulous discipline. Manabu is a Japanese artist who creates large-scale pen and acrylic ink drawings, using inspirations from his culture and the destruction and beauty of the natural world. The surface quality of his drawings is incredible, and this painstaking technique is what catches the attention of the art world. Manabu is currently an artist-in-residence at our own Chazen Museum of Art. Manabu will be working at the Chazen for three years; this is currently his second year. He has open studio hours Tuesday through Friday from 2:30 to 3:30, and I highly recommend checking out this opportunity. Manabu works eight hours a day and completes about four square inches of his drawing, which is usually around 10 feet in length.

            After learning more about the technical aspects of Pre-Raphaelite paintings, I immediately thought of Manabu’s work. There seems to be a lost tradition of richly detailed surfaces, and the use of traditional materials. Many contemporary artists use a variety of mediums to achieve different surface qualities, while Manabu uses only pen and ink, just like the Pre-Raphaelites used traditional oil paints. The Pre-Raphaelites were very open to technological advances in paints and experimented with new pigments, but they were still relying on their hands and brushstrokes to achieve every minute detail on their canvas. Both Manabu and the Pre-Raphaelites also draw inspiration from the natural world and want to express the beauty and details they see to the highest degree. I really respect the discipline and time that is used by both the Pre-Raphaelite’s and modern artists like Manabu, they really embrace the experience and respect the practice of art making.  

Tara Austin 

09.21.2014