Weekend Stories
I enjoy going exploring on weekends (mostly). Here is a collection of stories and photos I gather along the way. All posts are CC BY-NC-SA licensed unless otherwise stated. Feel free to share, remix, and adapt the content as long as you give appropriate credit and distribute your contributions under the same license.
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Groß St. Martin: How a Romanesque church reflects a city’s history
Groß St. Martin is one of the most iconic Romanesque churches in Cologne, alongside the world-famous Cologne Cathedral. Its towering presence over the city’s skyline has been a landmark for centuries, signifying not only its architectural grandeur but also its deep religious and historical significance. The church’s story spans from antiquity through the medieval era and into modern times, with transformations that reflect broader trends in the religious and civic history of Cologne. Today, Groß St. Martin serves as a place of worship under the care of the Fraternité de Jérusalem (Communities of Jerusalem), continuing a tradition of spiritual dedication in the heart of the city.
Nihon Hidankyō receives the Nobel Peace Prize: A recognition for anti-nuclear activism worldwide
The 2024 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Nihon Hidankyō, a Japanese organization founded by survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Nihon Hidankyō, also known as the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, has been at the forefront of nuclear disarmament advocacy for decades. Their tireless efforts in bringing the personal stories of atomic bomb survivors, or hibakusha, to the global stage have played a vital role in educating the world about the horrors of nuclear warfare and the pressing need for complete nuclear disarmament.
Discovering local history: A visit to the Niederbergisches Museum in Wülfrath
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to visit the Niederbergisches Museum in Wülfrath, a local history museum in a small town near my hometown. The museum is dedicated to the history of the region and its people. While I was still living in my home town, I actually didn’t know about the existence of this little museum, that is just around the corner. So I was surprised to learn of its existence, and I was happy to have the opportunity to visit it. Here is a short report on the museum along with some photos I took during my visit.
Tokuriki Tomikichirō: A pioneer of modern Japanese printmaking
Tokuriki Tomikichirō (1902–2000) was a renowned Japanese artist and printmaker, celebrated for his contributions to the Sōsaku Hanga (‘creative print’) and Shin Hanga (‘new print’) movements. His work bridged the gap between traditional Japanese woodblock printing techniques and modern artistic sensibilities, making him one of the most influential figures in the 20th-century revival of Japanese printmaking.
Inagaki Tomoo: Another modern interpretation of Shin Hanga
Inagaki Tomoo (1902-1980) was a prominent 20th-century Japanese artist renowned for his intricate woodblock prints, particularly his depictions of animals. Inagaki was a key figure in the Sōsaku Hanga (‘creative print’) movement, which emphasized the artist’s direct involvement in all stages of print production – from design to carving to printing – setting it apart from the traditional ukiyo-e process, where these tasks were divided among specialists.
Mori Yoshitoshi: The Master of modern kappazuri-e
Mori Yoshitoshi (1898–1992) was a highly influential Japanese artist best known for his work in kappazuri-e (‘stencil printing’) and his contributions to the Sōsaku Hanga (‘creative print’) movement. Mori’s artistic journey was marked by a deep commitment to Japanese folk traditions, which he revitalized and transformed into a modern art form, blending the old with the new in a unique and innovative way.
Minagawa Taizo: A modern innovator in the Shin Hanga tradition
Minagawa Taizo (1917-2005) was a Japanese artist known for his work in textiles and woodblock printing. He was a master craftsman who blended traditional Japanese techniques with modern aesthetics, creating works that were both beautiful and innovative. Minagawa’s art reflects his deep connection to Japan’s cultural heritage and his willingness to experiment with new forms and ideas. This post explores Minagawa’s life and work, highlighting his contributions to the Shin Hanga movement and his enduring legacy in Japanese art.
Koitsu Tsuchiya: Master of light and shadow in Shin Hanga
Koitsu Tsuchiya (1870–1949) was a prominent artist in the Shin Hanga movement, celebrated for his atmospheric landscapes and evocative use of light and shadow. His work is widely admired for its ability to capture the mood and ambiance of different times of day and seasons, making him one of the leading landscape artists of the early 20th century.
Yoshikawa Kampō: Elegant simplicity and refined beauty
Yoshikawa Kampō (1894-1979) was a prominent artist of the Shin Hanga movement, known for his elegant bijin-ga (pictures of beautiful women), yakusha-e (actor prints), and fukeiga (landscapes). He had a deep engagement with traditional Japanese arts, which he skillfully integrated into his work as a woodblock print artist. His prints are celebrated for their refined beauty, graceful compositions, and subtle use of color.
Yoshida Hiroshi: The international visionary of Shin Hanga
Yoshida Hiroshi (1876–1950) was a prominent figure in the Shin Hanga movement, known for his exquisite landscape prints that combined traditional Japanese woodblock techniques with Western painting styles. His work is celebrated for its meticulous detail, vibrant use of color, and the ability to capture the beauty of both Japanese and international landscapes.