Pacific Exotics: The Woodblock Prints of Paul Jacoulet

Karshan Center of Graphic Art
Open October 29, 2022 through January 15, 2023

Paul Jacoulet (1902-1960) designed a remarkable set of woodblock prints that are beautifully composed, visually exciting, and masterfully produced. This group of 47 of the original prints - about a third of his total output - demonstrate, not only Jacoulet's interest in exotic subjects but also the remarkable range of techniques and unsurpassed skill his carvers and printers used to achieve the images. Using the centuries-old process of Ukiyo-e carving and printing, Jacoulet and his printing team created fascinating portraits of South Sea and northern Asian individuals with many cultural and geographic details to indicate their heritage and location. Jacoulet did not compromise on quality. He used only the best paper and inks. Though he used traditional processes, his images are modern. His works reflected little of the artistic trends of the time but beautifully synthesize Japanese and French aesthetics. Image Credit: Les Paradisiers Menado, Celebes, 1937, woodblock on paper