Anne Goesel (b. 2000, Strasbourg, France) is a visual artist and printmaker specializing in water-based woodblock techniques. After studying for four years at Sokei Academy of Art & Design in Tokyo, Japan, she returned to Kent, UK, where she grew up. Anne’s work often depicts connections between forests and human figures, exploring tranquillity and introspection in her layered and intricate prints.

During her time in Tokyo, Anne earned recognition in several prominent exhibitions, including awards from The National University Print Exhibition and the prestigious Japan Print Association. She was selected for the "Young Printmakers Exhibition," a notable three-person showcase that highlights emerging talents in the field. She was awarded the Sokei prize upon graduation.

In her postgraduate research year, Anne's first residency took place in the rural mountain village of Otaki, Japan, where she conducted workshops for local residents of all ages, sharing her knowledge of woodblock techniques and participating in the local art community. She exhibited there in collaboration with musicians and performers.

Artist Statement

I first gained interest in print-making after discovering Yoshida Hiroshi's atmospheric landscapes. I find inspiration in nature, especially in forests as peaceful and mysterious living entities.

While studying in Japan, I fell in love with the process of water-based woodblock printing because of its three phases: design, carving and printing. Each phase provides a different rhythm. Each element of the process becomes a mindfulness practice that connects me to the natural materials I use: wood, water, pigments, paper. Carving is time-consuming and slow, allowing the mind to wonder. Printing requires awareness to manage humidity in the paper and the block as I race against evaporation. I adjust traditional techniques to create an intuitive and free-flowing process, allowing me to elaborate the image with each layer and test. While I often have a basic conceptual idea of my image at the start, its significance doesn't come to me until the print is finished.

With oversized prints, I want to envelop the viewer into the image. I wish for them to wander too far into a forest. My hope is to remind people of times they've felt extreme peace within themselves.

CV

Education

2023-2024: Sokei Academy of Fine Art & Design JP (Post graduate course)
2020-2023: Sokei Academy of Fine Art & Design JP (Printmaking)
2018-2020: Nagano Buisness and Language College, Japanese Language major

Exhibitions

2024
Juried International Mokuhanga Exhibition (Imadate Art Center, Echizen City, JP)
Sokei Academy of Art&Design Exhibition of Graduation Works (Narimasu Art Gallery, Tokyo, JP)

2023 
Awagami International Miniature Print Exhibition (Inbe Art Space, Tokushima, JP)
48th National University Print Exhibition  (Ueda City Museum of Art, Nagano, JP)
Festival of the Water Chronicles (Ootaki Village, Nagano, JP)
90th Exhibition of Japan Print Association (Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Art, JP)
FEI PURO ART AWARD Exhibition of Selected Works (FEI Art Museum, Kanagawa, JP)
Sokei Academy of Art and Design Works exhibition (Gallery Le Deco, Tokyo, JP)
Joint Exhibition Young Print Artists Exhibition (Galerie Chene, Tokyo, JP)
Joint Exhibition Space Travel (O Gallery, Tokyo, JP)
Sokei Academy of Art&Design Exhibition of Graduation Works (Narimasu Art Gallery, Tokyo, JP)

2022
47th National University Print Exhibition (Ueda City Museum of Art, Nagano, JP)
89th Exhibition of Japan Print Association (Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Art, JP)
Sokei Academy of Art and Design Works exhibition (Gallery Le Deco, Tokyo, JP)
Joint Exhibition Wonder Nebula 6/6 (Gallery Punto, Tokyo, JP)

Awards

2023
48th National University Print Exhibition - Excellence Award
Sokei Academy of Art & Design Prize - Department of Fine Art
Sokei Academy of Art & Design Graduate School Special Scholarship

2022
47th National University Print Exhibition - Excellence Award
89th Exhibition of Japan Print Association - Reward Candidate

Residencies

2023 
Otaki village (Nagano, JP)