Only 5 Days Left to See Colorful Realm!!!

Anyone hoping to check out Colorful Realm at the National Gallery of Art needs to do so in the next five days.

Two friends of mine viewed this exhibition last Sunday and said it was a MADHOUSE. This exhibition was so crowded that it was hard to really take it in, they said, which was a shame as it is a rare treat. (This is the first time these beautiful scrolls have been exhibited outside of Japan.)

Arriving very early, very late, or perhaps not on the final day of the exhibiton (April 29) might do the trick in avoiding the worst of the crowds.

Here's the latest info. from the NGA:

Colorful Realm: Japanese Bird-and-Flower Paintings by Itō Jakuchū (1716–1800)
March 30–April 29, 2012

Hours Extended
Open until 8 p.m., April 27, 28, 29
Use the 6th Street and Constitution Avenue entrance

Stovall, Matsuyama @ AU Museum at the Katzen

American University Park (Photo: James Hare/Wikimedia Commons)

I am unfamiliar with the District-based artist Lou Stovall, but really intrigued by his current spring crop of colorful works now on display at the American University Museum at the Katzen.

As the museum, located across the street from the university's main entrance on Massachusetts Avenue, states on its website:

"Nature has been explored throughout DC-based artist Lou Stovall’s 60-year career and its representation has evolved considerably. Stovall’s latest iteration, his 'vertical views,' take form in silkscreen monoprints reconstructed into three-dimensional collages."

At present two other exhibitions at the Katzen celebrate Japanese art. "Floating World: 19th Century Japanese Woodblock Prints" is part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. And "Thousand Regards" showcases more contemporary works by Japanese-born, New-York based artist Tomokazu Matsuyama.

All three exhibitions run through May 20.

(People who live in the heart of DC may view AU as a distant place beyond the National Cathedral, but it is located quite close to Tenleytown and not far from Friendship Heights metro stops, where shopping and dining options abound. Some dining options are also available not far from the AU campus on Massachusetts Avenue. This is also the location of the Spring Valley Crate & Barrel store which I find hard to resist visiting at least a couple times per year. Even if I lack the space/income to totally re-furnish my tiny flat with their huge American furniture, it is fun to check out the designs there, including lovely glassware made in Italy and fun Marimekko fabrics from Finland. I bought a Marimekko tablecoth there once which I ADORE. I am clearly plugging Marimekko products here, but they deserve a plug because they place a premium on design and quality. Nice fabrics can be art too!)

Hokusai @ Sackler + Jakuchū @ NGA

With the National Cherry Blossom Festival in full swing (even though we've already, alas, lost the blossoms!) there is some great related art to be seen in DC.

I really want to see the Hokusai exhibit at the Sackler.

There's also an exhibit on at the National Gallery of Art showcasing Japanese bird and flower paintings by Itō Jakuchū that looks to be lovely.