A rare opportunity to view the works of the mysterious Edo-period artist Tōshūsai Sharaku is currently available at the Art Institute of Chicago, with an exhibition running through October 14. Sharaku, who produced nearly 150 ukiyo-e prints in just 10 months, is renowned for his dramatic expressions and exaggerated depictions of kabuki actors. His identity, however, remains an unsolved mystery.
The exhibition features over 30 of Sharaku’s works, a rare event given the strict conservation rules that limit the display of such prints. According to Janice Katz, curator at the Art Institute of Chicago, "Sharaku’s prints can typically only be shown for three months every five years due to conservation standards, making this collection a truly unique opportunity."
Sharaku’s most iconic work, a 1794 portrait of kabuki actor Ōtani Oniji III, exemplifies his style, with an intense focus on facial expressions that captures the energy and rawness of the kabuki theater. Katz describes his works as caricatures that reveal the complexities of male actors portraying female roles, in contrast to the more graceful depictions by other artists of the time.
Despite his prolific output, Sharaku abruptly ceased producing art, leading to speculation that he may have been an actor in the noh theater, which could have given him the perspective needed to capture kabuki performances with such vitality.
Although his works were initially considered lowbrow and lacked broad appeal during the Edo period, Sharaku's distinctive style has attracted significant interest among Western collectors, further elevating his status in the art world. This exhibition offers viewers a chance to delve into the vibrant world of ukiyo-e through Sharaku’s unique lens, bridging historical art with contemporary appreciation.
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