THE FLOATING WORLD (JAPAN)
The Floating World theme refers to Ukiyo-e ("pictures of the floating world") woodblock prints. This art is closely connected to the urban pleasures of Metropolitan Edo (Tokyo) and animated by the traditional Japanese love of nature. Japan has long held the interest of artists from California. Everything from Zen Buddhism to Japanese gardens and cuisine has been integrated into the local culture. Once in Japan, Raphael was immediately struck by the contrast between the traditional Japan and the contemporary electronic Japanese culture. This clash between the old and the new creates striking contrasts and interesting juxtapositions. In his brief stay, Raphael visited Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima.
click on any image for a larger view
Golden Buddha 2002 pigmented ink jet on canvas 60” x 50” (edition of 3) collection USC Fisher Museum of Art.
Kyoto Station 2002 pigmented ink jet on canvas 44" x 44" (edition of 5)
Hiroshima 2002 pigmented ink jet on canvas 34" x 34" (edition of 5)
Shabuya Neon 2002 pigmented ink jet on canvas 44" x 44" (edition of 5)
Self-Portrait in the Ginza 2002 pigmented ink jet on canvas 34" x 34" (edition of 5) collection USC Fisher Museum of Art
A-Bomb+Dome, Hiroshima 2001 metal leaf on Polaroid Spectra
4” x 4”
Marlborough Man, Shibuya 2001 metal leaf on Polaroid Spectra
4" x 4"
Heiseikan Water I 2001 metal leaf on Polaroid Spectra 4" x 4"
Birthday Haiku I, Tokyo, 2000 full moon drawing on Polaroid Spectra 4” x 4”
Self-Portrait Tokyo, 9-14, 2001 silver leaf on Polaroid Spectra
4” x 4”
Rioanji Lilies, Kyoto 2001 metal leaf on Polaroid Spectra 4" x 4"
Heiseikan Water II 2001 metal leaf on Polaroid Spectra 4" x 4"
Birthday Haiku II, Tokyo, 2000 full moon drawing on Polaroid Spectra 4” x 4”
Miho Bridge, Shigaraki, 2001 silver leaf on Polaroid Spectra
4” x 4”
Shibuya Violet 2001 gold leaf on Polaroid Spectra 4" x 4"
Tokyo National Museum Water I 2001 metal leaf on Polaroid Spectra 4" x 4"
Birthday Haiku III, Tokyo, 2000 full moon drawing on Polaroid Spectra 4” x 4”
