University of Guam Students Katlyn Sutherland and Joleen Unas exhibited their artwork in the International Contemporary Printed Art/Zureta exhibition, held at Tokyo University of the Arts in May.
The International Contemporary Printed Art/Zureta exhibition, held at Tokyo University of the Arts in May, included artwork by University of Guam students Joleen Unas and Katlyn Sutherland as part of a showcase of student work from 14 different countries.
In this international setting, surrounded by student artwork from 19 universities around the world, Unas and Sutherland were exposed to a variety of printmaking techniques and participated in discussions about the various styles and the concept of error, success and context shift.
“We are so focused on producing a perfect finished piece,” said Unas, “while the Japanese artists are more interested in the process.”
Unas and Sutherland found themselves inspired by the art of printmaking and intrigued by traditional Japanese tools and pigments. They also embraced the concept of misprints and error which leads, not to failure, but to success. Each plans to further explore printmaking techniques and concepts.
“About 10,000 visitors viewed the exhibition while it was on display in Tokyo,” said Sutherland. “And it isn’t over yet as our artwork will be displayed in several other cities, including Shanghai and Vienna, in the coming year.”
Sutherland, who graduated in May, is planning on becoming an art teacher while Unas is a junior pursuing degrees in Fine Arts and Computer Science.
The two young artists gave a presentation about their international experiences on July 14. Their trip was funded by a travel award from the Research Corporation of the University of Guam and a grant from the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences.