The Dublin Arts Council opened an exhibit featuring the work of Brooklyn-based artist and printmaker Takuji Hamanaka Saturday.

The exhibit, “Beginning: Woodblock Prints by Takuji Hamanaka,” exhibits the many styles the artist has used throughout his career.

Hamanaka’s designs can be described as ranging from angular and geometric to abstract and biomorphic.

Hamanaka creates a woodblock print by conceiving a design. He then draws a detailed image on paper. Copies are made and each page is adhered face-down to an untouched block. The block is then carved according to the design as it is seen through the paper. The reverse images seen in the carved blocks result in a right-facing image when printed.

Once the carving is complete, the printing process begins. One at a time, Hamanaka inks the blocks with the desired colors using a brush. Damp paper is then laid atop the blocks, and the color is transferred by rubbing the paper.

His work combines the ancient techniques of Japanese woodblock printmaking with a contemporary aesthetic.

Hamanaka as an artist is attracted to the surfaces created by printed images.

“The result of the printing process is that only what is necessary is retained on the paper, nothing more, nothing less. Colors in prints do not just sit on the paper; rather they sink deep into the paper. I like the unified surface and physical appearance that the printmaking process can convey,” Hamanaka said.

The arts council chose to exhibit Hamanaka’s work after he previously visited Dublin for a workshop and was well received.

“Hamanaka came to Dublin last winter to do a workshop. The workshop was extremely popular. We had people come from as far as Oregon to work with Hamanaka. So we decided to invite him back to exhibit his work as well as teach another class,” said Jessica Fagan, visual arts and editorial manager for the arts council.

In conjunction with the exhibit, Hamanaka will be teaching an intensive, four-day workshop on the woodblock printmaking process. The workshop is part of the arts council’s Japan Workshop series, which is an annual program that explores the art and culture of Japan.

The exhibit will be on view in the Dublin Arts Council Gallery through March 6. For more information, call the Dublin Arts Council at 889-7444 or log on to its website at www.dublinarts.org.