Actor Ichikawa Monnosuke 2nd WITH A TORCH Possibly 1780

Editor: Here we have Katsukawa Shunkō’s woodblock print of “Actor Ichikawa Monnosuke 2nd WITH A TORCH.” The texture of the flame and clothing is really striking. What do you make of the materiality in this work? Curator: It's fascinating to consider the socio-economic implications of woodblock printing in Japan at this time. How did the mass production of these prints influence perceptions of art and value, and who had access to them? Editor: That's a great point. So, it’s not just about the actor depicted but also about how this image was made and circulated. Curator: Exactly. Think about the labor involved, from the artist to the woodcutter and printer. The commercial aspect redefines “art”. Editor: I see how shifting the focus to materials and labor opens up a whole new perspective!