Page from Hagoromo (Feathered Robe) c. 1984 - 1986

Editor: Here we have "Page from Hagoromo," a woodblock print by Matsubara Naoko. The stark black and white creates a striking contrast. How might we interpret this piece through a historical lens? Curator: Consider how prints like this made art accessible to a wider audience. Woodblock printing democratized art, moving it beyond the elite and into the hands of everyday people. Does that change your perspective on its cultural impact? Editor: It does. I hadn't thought about the social implications of printmaking. It's like a form of visual activism, sharing beauty and ideas more broadly. Curator: Precisely. And it highlights the important role of institutions in preserving and exhibiting these works, shaping public perception and historical narratives. We shape the narrative! Editor: That's a great point. I'm seeing this artwork in a whole new light now. Curator: Excellent! Recognizing art's public role enriches our understanding.