Hamanishi katsunori biography of michael jordan

Katsunori Hamanishi has opted for a meticulous printing technique, mezzotint, showcasing an unparalleled mastery of this method. As an internationally recognized and esteemed artist, Hamanishi finds mezzotint to be the perfect medium for translating his surrealistic or abstract visions into photorealistic precision.

Katsunori Hamanishi - Biography

Katsunori Hamanishi was born in 1949 on Hokkaido, Japan's second-largest island. He completed his studies at Tokai University in Kanagawa prefecture in 1973. Later, in 1987 and 1988, he furthered his education at the University of Pennsylvania with a grant from a prominent US cultural institution. By that time, Katsunori Hamanishi had already earned recognition as a respected artist, receiving accolades at esteemed international exhibitions.

Renowned for his artistic prowess, Katsunori specializes in the intricate printmaking technique known as mezzotint.

Mezzotint Printing Technique

Mezzotint, an intaglio printmaking method originating in 16th-century Europe, demands meticulousness and dedication akin to the time-honored Japanese woodblock carving technique.

Notably, mezzotint is an intaglio printmaking technique prized for its ability to achieve exquisite tonal gradations. Initially, the copper plate undergoes uniform roughening using a tool known as a 'rocker.' Subsequently, the image is crafted by employing a burnisher for light areas and a scraper for dark areas.

Limited Edition Sizes

The mezzotint technique imposes restrictions on the number of impressions achievable from a single plate, typically allowing no more than 200 high-quality impressions. Katsunori Hamanishi's editions usually range from around 30 to 100 prints.

Mastering the Mezzotint Technique

What looks like the result of a photo-mechanical printing process is in reality the fruit of an all hand-made and tedious creation process. Katsunori Hamanishi has taken the mezzotint technique to new heights. Today he is the uncontested master in this genre.

Mastering the Mezzotint Technique

Despite its appearance resembling a photo-mechanical print, it's essential to note that the artwork is meticulously crafted entirely by hand, involving a laborious creation process. Katsunori Hamanishi has elevated the mezzotint technique to unparalleled levels, establishing himself as an indisputable master in this artistic genre.

The Art of Katsunori Hamanishi

Katsunori Hamanishi effortlessly navigates between traditional Japanese and Western art histories, yet his artistic subjects are deeply rooted in Japanese tradition. The artist's fascination lies in rendering three-dimensional perspectives of objects such as ropes, plants, or tree twigs, seemingly choosing the most intricate subjects to showcase his mastery.

In his more recent works, Hamanishi incorporates luxurious elements like gold, silver, copper, and lead foils, elevating the visual appeal of his creations.

Over the years, Katsunori Hamanishi's artistry has evolved gradually from photo-realistic, figurative images to abstraction. Similar to the progression seen in Kandinsky, the pioneer of modern abstract art, this transition was not sudden but rather a gradual and organic shift.

Museum Collections of Artworks by Katsunori Hamanishi

• Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts, San Francisco, USA.
• Art Institute of Chicago, USA.
• British Museum, London, England.
• Cleveland Museum of Art, USA.
• Library of Congress, Washington, D.C., USA.
• Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.
• Museum of Modern Art, New York, USA.
• University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
• Fine Arts Museum, Taipei, Taiwan.
• National Museum, Krakow, Poland.
• National Museum of Art, Osaka, Japan.

Art Works by Katsunori Hamanishi

The showcased examples are part of our collection of sold Japanese prints.

Author:
Dieter Wanczura, revised by AI
First Publication: 7/27/2009
Latest Update: 1/11/2025

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