Rogier Uitenboogaart

Rogier Uitenboogaart
Born
Rogier Uitenboogaart

(1955-05-05) 5 May 1955 (age 69)
The Hague, The Netherlands
OccupationJapanese Washi Artist
PartnerChikako
ChildrenYukina (daughter), Yohei (son)
WebsiteOfficial website

Rogier Uitenboogaart (born 1955) is a Dutch paper artist. After moving from The Netherlands to Japan in 1980, he became known for his skill in making the traditional Japanese paper known as washi.[1]

Early life and education

Uitenboogaart was born in The Hague, the Netherlands in 1955.[1][2] He studied book preservation and binding in the Netherlands before moved to Japan in 1980.[3]

Career

Uitenboogaart and Japanese architect Kuma Kengo have collaborated on numerous projects.[4][5] Uitenboogaart works out of a studio in Yusuhara, Kochi prefecture.[6][7]

In 2014 he appeared in an episode of the TV series Begin Japanology titled Japanophiles: Rogier Uitenboogaart.[8]

Philosophy

Uitenboogaart craft has a strong connection to his immediate surroundings. From an interview with Masako Yamada, from the Public Relations Office of the Government of Japan, Uitenboogaard says, washi "is deeply connected with mountains, rivers and other natural features. When I look at washi I can even feel as if I'm seeing these natural landscapes."[9]

Types of Washi Produced

Uitenboogaart produces many traditional types of washi paper. One signature type is called “Waranshi” which is explained as "a fusion paper made by blending the raw materials for Washi and western paper made from cotton from the Netherlands..."[10]

Projects

Selected works

References

  1. ^ a b Mami Maruko (22 December 2012). "Dutchman keeps paper-making traditions alive at his Shikoku studio". The Japan Times. Retrieved 2021-06-29.
  2. ^ "Under the Spell of Washi for Thirty-Five Years" (PDF). Tomodachi via japan.go.jp/. Government of Japan.
  3. ^ KIKAN KOCHI / No.53: Think & Action Magazine, Kochi. Cricket Co., Ltd.
  4. ^ "Future of Creation: Japanese paper craftsman Rogier Uitenboogaart x architect Kengo Kuma". Tokyo Art Beat.
  5. ^ "Yusuhara Community Library / YURURI Yusuhara - 雲の上の図書館 / YURURIゆすはら". Kengo Kuma and Associates (in Japanese).
  6. ^ Look Japan. Look Japan, Limited. 1997.
  7. ^ "7 days in Shikoku Japan: top things to see and do". Rough Guides.
  8. ^ Nagano, Tomonori (29 May 2021). "TV show on Japan: Japanology Plus (formerly known as "Begin Japanology")". Japan Studies at LaGuardia Community College.
  9. ^ "[SERIES] MASTERS Enchanted by Washi". Cabinet Office, Government of Japan (June 2012).
  10. ^ "OSAKA CHAKAI Recommend Rogier Uitenboogaart". OSAKA CHAKAI (2006).