At That Time, in the West: Comparing Japanese and Western Art by Era
I read “At That Time, in the West: Comparing Japanese and Western Art by Era” by Kikuro Miyashita.
This book is a significantly expanded and revised version of “At That Time, in the West,” a series that appeared in the “Monthly Report” supplements of the 20-volume “Complete Collection of Japanese Art.”
Kikuro Miyashita served as the supervisor for the “Basquiat Exhibition,” and I had the chance to speak with him at the preview. He is highly knowledgeable and shared many fascinating stories, drawing me in. Immediately afterwards, I picked up this book.
Western art seen through the window of Japanese art
From antiquity to the present, this book compares Western and Japanese art across each era from the perspective of “contemporaneity.” Through this lens, the two histories sometimes reveal strikingly similar points and at other times develop in contrasting directions. Sometimes influencing each other, sometimes existing far apart, the historical dynamics of the two are revealed through the author’s unique thematic approach. This illuminates the intrigue, depth, and richness of art as human endeavor — insights not visible when each history is viewed in isolation. An ambitious work pursuing a global understanding of art. — Excerpted from Shogakukan’s introduction
As the title suggests, this book compares Japanese and Western art, introducing and analyzing both while grounding the discussion in their historical contexts.
There is a special pleasure in reflecting on eras when international information did not flow as it does today, and I read the book with great interest.
Structured into four broad eras, the book, written in Miyashita’s characteristically clear prose, allowed me to grasp the major currents of art in both Japan and the West.
Note that this book does not include commentary on contemporary art from 1995 onward.
In the book’s closing chapter, which touches on the reasons for this, Miyashita discusses the “differences” between Japanese and Western art.
Miyashita’s calm, bird’s-eye view of art summarized here contains elements that help one enjoy art all the more, leaving a refreshing feeling after reading.
Overview
At That Time, in the West: Comparing Japanese and Western Art by Era
Author: Kikuro Miyashita
Publisher: Shogakukan
Hardcover: 272 pages
Release date: February 27, 2019
ISBN: 9784096822746
Format: 4-6
Package dimensions: 13×1.6×18.8cm
List price: 1,900 yen + tax
