Paul Binnie, Cat in the Rain, Ame ni Neko
Artist: Paul Binnie (1967-)
Title: Ame Ni Neko (Cat in the rain)
Edition: 28/100
Date: 2013
Size: 32.8 x 12.8 cm
Original Japanese woodblock print.
Paul Binnie (born May 27, 1967) is a Scottish painter and printmaker known for his colourful woodblock prints. He studied printmaking under the master printer of Doi-Hangaten on the recommendation of artist Toshi Yoshida. Binnie has exhibited widely in such places as Tokyo, Paris, London and New York, and his works are in many collections, such as the British Museum and Metropolitan Museum of Art. In his works, he skillfully combines Japanese culture with Western ideas.
On contrary to the general belief that cats dislike water, the one pictured by Paul Binnie seems to be enjoying his time outside in the rainy weather. The cat and its blurry reflection in the water admirably contrast with the fainter area of the bokashi (gradation) background, whilst the straight spouts of rain are vividly presented on the darker part.
Paul Binnie
Blending traditional methods with a modern style, Paul Binnie’s work is heavily influenced by the Shin-hanga movement, founded by the publisher Shozaburo Watanabe (1885-1962). Shozaburo aimed to renew declining Ukiyo-e tradition and break into foreign markets by commissioning new, young artists who would work within the old co-operated system, composed of the publisher, artist, engraver and printers. However, Binnie works independently, making prints from beginning to the end, as was done by artists of the post-war Sosaku hanga movement. He works across several different subjects including kabuki, tattoo, landscape and beauty prints. Binnie’s original plan of a short stay in Japan changed once he started to sell his kabuki prints. He decided to expand his technique and remained in Japan creating works of this subject until 1998. His interest in Japanese tattoo was born when he saw Yakuza, members of the Japanese mafia who traditionally have body tattoos, bathing for the first time in a sento (Japanese-style public bath). Near the end of 1997, he began to expand into Japanese landscape prints, which became a huge success.
| Print Format | Tanzaku |
|---|---|
| Artist | Paul Binnie |
| Subject | Animal & Birds |
| Dimensions | 32.8 x 12.8 cm |
| Condition Report | Faint creases in the bottom corners of the margin. |
