Misa Tsuchiya - せなか (Back)

Contemporary Woodblock Print

Watch out for the bears! 🐻⚠️🐻 One of a small series of works: “Human-Bear Coexistence” – exhibited at Okubo Museum, Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture, 2024. Misa Tsuchiya comments:

“背中を向いているか弱い君たちを襲ってみたいな“。(🐻: “I'd like to attack you weaklings with your backs turned").

"どんな人もクマと遭遇したら背中を向けてはいけない。背中を向けないで離れること"。(*No matter what kind of person you are, if you encounter a bear, do not turn your back on it. Do not turn your back and leave).

• Year & Edition: 2024 · Ed. of 15 (signed, titled & editioned in pencil to plate).
• Medium: Water-based woodblock print on Tosa Washi No. 1 (100% kōzo, Kōchi Prefecture).
• Dimensions: Sheet H: 17.00 cm × W: 46.00 cm (Image H: 11.00 cm × W: 40.00 cm).
• Condition: Mint, direct from the artist’s studio.

About the Artist

土屋未沙 Misa Tsuchiya (b. 1993, Kanagawa) reimagines centuries-old Japanese mokuhanga with a thoroughly contemporary flair. Her animal-themed woodblock prints burst off the page in bold colour and unexpected form - elongated limbs, poised tension and playful energy bring each creature to life. Tsuchiya’s work is held in prestigious collections worldwide, including the Kanuma Municipal Art Museum (Japan), Tikotin Museum of Japanese Art (Israel) and Tama Art University (Tokyo). [ ← View All Works by Misa Tsuchiya]