'When East meets West'

: Emil Orlik, Helen Hyde, Elizabeth Keith, and Western printmakers in East Asia in the early twentieth century

Abstract

During the initial half of the twentieth century, several Western artists created print works influenced by ukiyo-e in East Asia. These artists came from diverse backgrounds and were driven by a variety of motivations. However, they shared a loose connection through their exploration of similar themes and artistic mediums within the same historical period and geographical context. This dissertation aims to examine this artistic trend and collectively explore the emergence and evolution of these artists.

Drawing upon a wealth of archival sources, this thesis reconstructs their artistic journeys and endeavors while firmly situating them within their historical context. Specifically, this study delves into the lives and works of three selected artists: Emil Orlik, Helen Hyde, and Elizabeth Keith. These artists represent distinct phases of emergence, commercial success, and eventual decline. Each chapter is dedicated to one of these artists, focusing on their respective periods of artistic activity. Moreover, the thesis critically evaluates how their work intersected with Western-centric perspectives that romanticized East Asia.

In essence, this dissertation seeks to untangle the intricate interplay between Western artists, East Asian artistic traditions, and the socio-cultural milieu of the early twentieth century. It aspires to offer a comprehensive and critical analysis of these artists' contributions while shedding light on the broader implications of their representations of East Asia within the framework of Orientalism.

Date of Award	3 Jul 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of St Andrews
Supervisor	Jeremy Charles Howard (Supervisor) & Linda Jane Goddard (Supervisor)