Masami Teraoka: Etching workshop

Draw inspiration from the exhibition and learn the process of etching in this hands-on workshop with artist, Aiko Robinson.

Masami Teraoka was born in Japan and migrated to the United States of America at 25 years old, where he became an insightful observer and commentator of Japanese and American culture. From the early 1970s Teraoka adopted the traditional visual vocabulary of 17th–19th century Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints to reflect on contemporary themes such as globalisation, collisions between Asian and Western cultures, environmental degradation, and the AIDS crisis. Inspired notably by kabuki theatre prints and the ukiyo-e genres of bijin-ga [beautiful women], yūrei-zu [supernatural beings], and shunga [erotic prints], Teraoka created dramatic compositions rich in symbolism.

Teraoka’s Hawaii Snorkel Series 1992–93, published by Tyler Graphics, depicts encounters between Japanese and American mainland tourists on the beaches of Hawai’i, where the artist lives. Working with master printer Kenneth Tyler, the series uses both Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock techniques with Western etching techniques, building the cross-cultural references into the material creation of the print. In these works, Teraoka is commentating on his experience as a migrant, reflecting on his first interactions in America, as well as his new reality of having two cultures co-existing inside of him.

In this workshop, participants will be introduced to etching techniques, with the opportunity to create their own works inspired by the work of Masami Teraoka.

The workshop is suitable for participants 18 years and over, and no previous printmaking experience is required. Registration includes all workshop materials.

Content advice: The exhibition includes nudity and depictions of sex. The workshop will include viewing and discussions of shunga [erotic prints].

Workshop participants are invited to join exhibition curator, Kira Godoroja-Prieckaerts, Kenneth E Tyler Assistant Curator, Catalogue Raisonne, and workshop tutor, Aiko Robinson, at the Gallery on Fri 11 Apr 2025, 3-4pm for a special tour of the exhibition focused on the printmaking materials and techniques used by Masami Teraoka and Tyler Graphics to create Teraoka’s works.

Masami Teraoka and Japanese Ukiyo-e prints is on display in Gallery 26 until the 6 July 2025.

This program is presented in partnership with Megalo Print Studio.

Standard: $450

National Gallery Members: $405

Megalo Print Studio Members: $405

Concession: $405

Student: $360

Aiko Robinson

Contemporary artist Aiko Robinson is interested in creating her own visual language drawn from both her Japanese and New Zealand heritage. Her prints combine a unique mix of Japanese and Western aesthetics and mediums through exquisitely drawn erotic figures and scenes that reflect the practice of Shunga [erotic art] within a contemporary context.

Aiko graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) from the ELAM School of Fine Arts at University of Auckland in 2015, before completing a Masters of Fine Arts in printmaking at Tokyo University of the Arts in 2020.

We are committed to making our collections, exhibitions, building and events accessible to all visitors. Please contact us to discuss your access needs for this program.

If you are a wheelchair user, please email learning@nga.gov.au and we will ensure an accessible workbench is reserved for your use during the workshop.