Getting Cool Air 1925

Editor: So, this is Ito Shinsui’s "Getting Cool Air," created around 1925. It’s a woodblock print. I'm immediately struck by the beautiful patterns in her kimono and the way she holds herself – very poised and elegant. What story does this artwork tell from your perspective? Curator: It's interesting that you focus on elegance, because while the image seems simple, the cultural context speaks volumes. Shinsui, a key figure in the shin-hanga movement, was reviving traditional ukiyo-e techniques, but also modernizing the imagery for a rapidly changing Japan. Editor: Modernizing, how so? Curator: Look at the setting – it's a portrait, drawing on older traditions. But her direct gaze and relaxed pose signal a new woman. This wasn’t just about portraying beautiful women; it was about reflecting changing social roles and asserting an image of modern Japanese identity, and even contesting western notions of Asian cultures and sexuality, as filtered through Orientalism. Does that reading surprise you? Editor: It does a little! I hadn't considered the social commentary. So it's not *just* a pretty print; it’s actively participating in conversations around identity. That changes how I see the woman. Curator: Exactly! The artist's intent—especially considering the time and the resurgence of Japanese pride in traditional art forms mixed with an interest in Western art aesthetics—becomes integral to understanding the image. It reveals how art acts within cultural movements, doesn't it? Editor: Yes, absolutely. I'm seeing it with new eyes! Thank you for that context; it truly enriches the experience of viewing it.