9 November 2007

   

Kaii Higashiyama (1908 - 1999) is one of the most renowned artists of post-war Japan and his one hundredth anniversary next spring will be celebrated with numerous art exhibitions and events. During his lifetime Higashiyama travelled extensively in Europe and Asia and his works have played an important role in building bridges between different cultures. It is in this spirit that the Higashiyama reproductions are donated by Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation ("Epson") to the Finnish City of Tampere, further strengthening the ties between the two countries and underscoring the company's desire to unite people around the world through common passions.

Using the traditional Japanese Nihon-ga painting technique in many of his works, Higashiyama made more than 2000 paintings during his lifetime. With numerous awards and recognitions, he was also commissioned by the Japanese Imperial household to paint murals for the palace and the national temple of Toshodaiji in the city of Nara. Although more often inspired by nature and rural landscapes, Higashiyama also painted and sketched urban scenes, capturing cultural environments that have since disappeared. His works can be found in his hometown of Ichikawa, at the Kaii Higashiyama memorial Museum and in Nagano prefecture, the home of Epson's global headquarters, at the Nagano Prefectural Shinano Museum, Kaii Higashiyama Gallery, as well as in Setouchi, at the Kaii Higashiyama Setouchi Art Museum.

In 1962 Kaii Higashiyama and his wife Sumi spent four months travelling in the Nordic countries, a journey that inspired twenty-eight paintings and two books. The Finnish landscapes in particular and the unique midsummer nights made a deep impact on Higashiyama, something that is reflected in his works.

At the request of the Higashiyama family, Epson faithfully reproduced, using its unique Micro Piezo inkjet technology, ten stunning works of the late artist. These Epson reproductions were displayed at the General Assembly Visitors' Lobby, United Nation's Headquarters in New York in 2005 where they were much admired. After their return to Japan it was decided to donate the reproductions to the City of Tampere, where they are highly appreciated, in recognition of the late artist's love of Finland.

To create the Higashiyama reproductions, Epson worked closely with the Nagano Prefectural Shinano Museum, taking photographs of the originals and carefully calibrating the colours in order to capture the depth and lustre of the original paintings down to the finest details, under the supervision of Sumi Higashiyama. The digital reproductions were then printed by Epson large format printers, producing perfect copies of the original works and capturing the relief of every brushstroke. The process in itself is a form of artistic expression, creating works original in themselves.

At the request of the Higashiyama family Epson has donated a collection of ten outstanding Epson reproductions of Kaii Higashiyama works to the City of Tampere. The works will be officially donated at ceremony to be held in the Tampere City Hall on 9 November and where they will remain on display for ten days. The works will then be displayed in the Finnish cities of Tampere and Helsinki during 2008 and 2009.

Epson believes strongly in working together across borders and cultures, respecting differences and individual originality. This is especially important in the world of art where freedom of expression and understanding are key. It is in this spirit that the digitally reproduced works of Higashiyama have been donated to Finland and in a gesture to further strengthen the ties between the two countries.

About Epson inkjet technology

The process used to create the Higashiyama reproductions has been developed together with leading artists both in Japan and in Europe. Epson Micro Piezo inkjet technology enables printing without direct contact with the print medium and therefore does not apply force to the medium as with other techniques. In Europe this technique, registered under the name of  ‘DigigraphieTM’, is used in conjunction with Epson UltrachromeTM inks, to reproduce exquisite copies of artists’ original works, and providing a guarantee of their quality and value.

For more information, about ‘DigigraphieTM’, please visit:

http://en.digigraphie.com

For information about Epson UltrachromeTM inks, please visit

http://www.photo.epson.co.uk/technology/ink/ultrachrome_k3.htm

To learn more about Epson Micro Piezo technology, please visit

http://www.photo.epson.co.uk/technology/printers/micropiezo.htm

To find out more about Epson media and fine art paper:

http://www.photo.epson.co.uk/technology/media/fine_art.htm

For more information about Epson large format printers, please visit:

http://www.epson.co.uk/products/product_hub/Product_Listing_Inkjets_LFP.htm