NINE UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND students examined dozens of artworks at 15 galleries and museums across New York City during spring break. These students put their interest in art careers to the test: Their mission was to select one new piece for the university to acquire for the Harnett Museum of Art. With the help of Richmond alumni working in the city’s art scene, the students considered artwork dating back to the 1800s from seven different countries. They ultimately zeroed in on the 19th-century Japanese woodblock print pictured right.
“The university’s art collection is the legacy of every UR student,” Issa Lampe, executive director of University Museums, said, “so it’s only natural and fitting that it would also reflect student tastes. We [didn’t] have any Japanese prints of the 19th century, so it’s a great addition.”
The piece selected by students, titled “Ten Views of Famous Floral Places in Edo: Wisteria at Kameido,” is by Kitagawa Utamaro. Utamaro is a major figure from the Edo period in Japan (1615–1868) who worked in a genre of art called ukiyo-e, which translates to “pictures of the floating world.” His print — which will arrive on campus later this year — captivated the nine students on this artistic endeavor.
“When we first saw [the Utamaro] print, it completely blew us all away. It was extremely well preserved, so the colors were especially vivid. I wanted to choose something beautiful and simple that anyone could appreciate. … This trip completely changed my career aspirations. I have always wanted to go into business, but this trip has inspired me to look into more art-related careers.”
“Some students were interested in adding art from a particular culture that was not currently represented in the collection. Some of the students were interested in a certain aesthetic vibrancy. They wanted an artwork that they found personally compelling.”
—Issa Lampe, executive director of University Museums
@urichmond Earlier this spring, a group of Spiders traveled to New York City on a mission to acquire a new art piece for University Museums and explore the art scene along the way. They visited 12 museums and galleries (several where UR alumni work!), and after four full days, students made pitches and voted, ultimately deciding on their acquisition piece: Utamaro's Ten Views of Famous Floral Places in Edo: Wisteria at Kameido, bought from Scholten Japanese Art. Why this piece? Ana Carrico, '26, says: "There were many reasons... it was a beautiful print in extremely well preserved condition which not only gave it value but also would give an educational value. The print is a Japanese woodblock print, an extremely difficult process of printmaking, which we also believed would offer the piece great educational usage for many departments. I think all in all, we all fell in love with the Scholten Gallery and this piece immediately. I remember when Katherine first pulled it out and everyone went 'Woah.' It's definitely just one of those works of art that takes your breath away." #urichmond #nyc #universitymuseums #artgallery
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“While the students were on their trip, they visited me at Sean Kelly Gallery. I hope that this trip empowered them to be future art collectors and engage with the visual arts … beyond their undergraduate education.”
"Seeing how Richmond alumni have been able to thrive and make their mark was inspiring.
It was a powerful reminder of the incredible opportunities that our university can provide and how we can take advantage of them to forge our own paths. The breadth of experiences we had, from prestigious museums to intimate galleries, gave me a much richer understanding and appreciation for the art world.”
—Anastasia Carrico, ’26
