Join us at the Japan Information Center in welcoming "The Awakened Spirit: Shōsho in the 21st Century A Traveling Exhibition Celebrating the Calligraphy of Teshima Yūkei and His Direct Disciples, Nakagawa Kyōji, Takeuchi Hōsen and Teshima Tairiku." The Curator's Reception will be held on Friday, April 12 from 5:00-7:00 PM while the exhibit will remain at the Japan Information Center until May 10, 2013. Please see the bottom of this page for details.
Shōsho, a contemporary calligraphic art which combines traditional elements of ancient Chinese writing, shodō, and contemporary ideas about the dynamic qualities of the artistic image, promotes the unification of the spirit of the written character (kanji) and the spirit of the artist, filling the three-dimensional space between them with unseen power. When this merging of artist and work is successful, the viewer intuitively understands the meaning of the work, even though he/she may not be able to read the character.
Unlike traditional forms of shodō (the way of calligraphy), which rely on the meaning of the poetry or prose, shōsho embraces the concept that a few characters (usually one to four) can stand alone as an artwork with the perceived meaning being expressed not only through words, but also through the combination of the artist’s spirit and skill in selecting the correct ink, paper, script, writing speed and technique.
The artworks of founder Teshima Yūkei and his three direct pupils have been exhibited internationally in China, Europe, South America and North America. This exhibition commemorates one-half century of shōsho, and a quarter of a century since the passing of its founder. It explores the current direction of the genre and, over the two years of this traveling exhibition, makes it accessible to both students and connoisseurs of Asian Art in the United States. Exhibition visitors will enjoy the living quality of the characters, as the positive, negative and three-dimensional space transmits spiritual power and meaning.
"The Awakened Spirit: Japanese Calligraphy in the 21st Century" |
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While you are visiting, be sure to browse our library collection, pick up some event fliers, and discover something new. Go ahead and talk to us about what interests you in Japan or ask us any questions you may have - we would love to be of assistance!
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