The Actor Nakamura Nakazo I Greeting the Audience on His Return from Osaka c. 1788

Curator: Katsukawa Shunko's woodblock print, "The Actor Nakamura Nakazo I Greeting the Audience on His Return from Osaka," created around 1788, captures a fascinating moment in kabuki theater history, and is part of the Art Institute of Chicago's collection. Editor: It has an almost theatrical seriousness. Like the weight of returning to the stage is almost tangible in his posture. And what is it he's holding? A folded fan, a script...it's giving me a 'the show must go on' vibe. Curator: That's a sharp reading. These prints, known as ukiyo-e, served as publicity and souvenirs. This piece documents Nakazo's comeback, tapping into his dedicated fan base. Shunko's design aimed to enhance the actor’s brand by crafting a memorable image of him. Editor: Enhance his brand indeed! Those exaggerated features – the severe expression, the strong jaw – border on caricature. The artist really plays with perspective here to focus on Nakazo, isolating the face of the actor, yet highlighting the opulence of the traditional costume through those earthy peach and black color scheme. Curator: Precisely. Such techniques in the visual language emphasized his importance and connection with the audiences. Caricature wasn't meant to diminish, but rather amplify recognition within a tight-knit, knowledgeable theater community. Note also the elegance within the line work, from costume detail to face, Shunko aimed to capture Nakazo at the peak of his career and fame. Editor: It worked, because here we are talking about a print made over two centuries ago. Something about this reminds me of the fleeting moments in any performing art. Everything boils down to that final bow. When it's a success, the feeling of the artist bowing down is akin to touching the divine. Curator: Your insights align well with the performative aspect embedded within the art itself, reflecting not only the artistry of printmaking but also a record of Nakazo's powerful impact within Osaka's theater scene. It gives modern viewers an intriguing entry point to exploring the societal impact of actors, celebrities, and art in a past age. Editor: Definitely food for thought about the role of fame, art, and performance in society, even centuries later.