Biography
Mayumi Oda, born in 1941 in Tokyo to a Buddhist monk father and an artist mother, is a pioneering feminist printmaker, activist, and Buddhist teacher often called "The Matisse of Japan" for the fluid, joyful treatment of her female subjects. She graduated from the Tokyo University of Fine Arts in 1966, then traveled to Europe before settling in New York, where she studied at the Pratt Graphic Center.
Oda's art is distinguished by her celebration of the feminine form — voluptuous female figures, often depicted as goddesses, with deliberately exaggerated proportions that convey strength and vitality. Drawing on her deep Buddhist background, her subjects range from Buddhist deities Kannon and Tara to classical Aphrodite and Gaia. Major series include "Treasure Ship Goddesses," "Rainbow Female Buddhas," and "Wheel of Dharma Vegetables."
Her prints span more than 55 years and over 300 works, and are held by major institutions including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art, and the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco.
Key Facts
- Active Period
- 1941
- Nationality
- 🇯🇵Japan
- Movement
- Contemporary Mokuhanga
- Works Indexed
- 103
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mayumi Oda known for?
Mayumi Oda, born in 1941 in Tokyo to a Buddhist monk father and an artist mother, is a pioneering feminist printmaker, activist, and Buddhist teacher often called "The Matisse of Japan" for the fluid, joyful treatment of her female subjects. She graduated from the Tokyo University of Fine Arts in 1966, then traveled to Europe before settling in New York, where she studied at the Pratt Graphic Center.
When was Mayumi Oda active?
Mayumi Oda was active born in 1941. They were associated with the Contemporary Mokuhanga movement.
What artistic movements influenced Mayumi Oda?
Mayumi Oda's work was shaped by the Contemporary Mokuhanga tradition in Japanese woodblock printmaking. Contemporary Mokuhanga: Contemporary mokuhanga (literally "wood-block print") encompasses artists working from approximately 1970 to the present who continue or reinvent traditional Japanese woodblock printing techniques.
Where can I see Mayumi Oda's original prints?
Original prints by Mayumi Oda can be found in collections including Art Institute of Chicago, ukiyo-e.org, robynbuntin.