Masami
Teraoka
Masami Teraoka is a Japanese-American artist known for his Ukiyo-e-inspired woodcuts. His work critically engages with cultural intersections, particularly between Japan and America. If you're looking for original Masami Teraoka prints and editions for sale or would like to sell, request a complimentary valuation and browse our network's most in-demand works.
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Biography
Born in Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, in 1936, Teraoka's artistic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in Aesthetics from Kwansei Gakuin University. In 1961, he moved to Los Angeles, where he pursued further education at Otis College of Art and Design, earning both a Bachelor and a Master of Fine Arts by 1968. Teraoka's relocation to the United States shaped his artistic trajectory, as he began to explore the intersections of Eastern and Western cultures through his art.
Teraoka's work is often characterised by its vibrant imagery and satirical commentary on contemporary issues, such as consumerism and cultural appropriation. He employs the traditional Ukiyo-e woodblock print technique, which he revitalises with modern subject matter. His ability to blend traditional Japanese aesthetics with American pop culture has earned him recognition as a key figure in the Contemporary Art movement.
Teraoka's career took flight in the 1970s, marked by his print series that challenged societal norms and examined cultural identity. In 1982, Teraoka created McDonald's Hamburgers Invading Japan, a print series exemplifies Teraoka's playful yet critical approach to consumer culture. This work established him as a significant voice in the dialogue on globalisation and its impact on local cultures.
Throughout his career, Teraoka has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions worldwide, including the Asia-Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art and the National Gallery of Australia. His works have been collected by prestigious institutions, including the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston and the Art Gallery of New South Wales.