Cherry Blossom Viewing
Art by Uemura Shōen (1875-1949)
Uemura Shōen was an unconventional woman. She and her sister were raised by their single mother, who also ran a tea shop. Shōen had an early gift for painting, and as a child would paint for customers who praised her attention to detail and delicate female features. Her mother, encouraging her craft, found her an art teacher. This first teacher gave her her name, honoring her skill as a student by sharing his surname. Young Shōen quickly emerged from landscape painting to figures, for which she became famous.
When Queen Victoria’s son, the Duke of Connaught, bought one of her paintings. She gained further acclaim when she won accolades in her first art exhibition, Four Seasonal Beauties (1890). This not only propelled her to fame, but brought her much attention and jealousy. Nevertheless, it helped her be selected to exhibit at the World Exposition in Chicago in 1893.
Shōen painted in a delicate style without background embellishment or clutter. There is a clear protagonist who receives all the attention in each single piece of work. What sets her apart is something really special.
