NYAB Event - "This Individual and the Calligraphy" Exhibition

"This Individual and the Calligraphy" Exhibition

The Nippon Gallery

This event has ended.

Ryokan Ara is recognized as a master painter of sumi-e water colors and Buddha paintings. A priest, holy man, and Archbishop of the Tendai Mission, Ara is an initiator of cultural programs and an advisor at the Hawaii Art Academy, where young island men and women study traditional art forms of Japanese culture. Also a university lecturer and television celebrity, these titles do not truly capture the man, the artist and the creator of fine works which reveal so clearly his dedication, skill and spiritual power. This exhibition’s theme is “From the Silk Road to Nara” and will display the paintings of a benevolent and grief-stricken Buddha. These works were created by an original method after countless coverage tours to China, India, Pakistan and Tibet, etc. His works depicting conversation (preach) between two Buddhist priests will also be on display.

Kyoko Nakamura is an owner of the historic Japanese Villa “Yoshida Sanso” in Kyoto. Through her professional life as a landlady of the traditional villa, she is active as an opinion leader of the cultural activities in Kyoko by introducing the classic culture, cooking and performing arts to the public as well as planning and hosting music concerts and picture book exhibitions. In this exhibition, her graceful and modern Japanese kana characters on the tapestry of noble “Yumekoro Zome” will be on display.

Philosopher Tetsuzan Shinagawa (1910 – 2000) discussed the state of the world, praised beautiful things, expressed his reverence for great people, and spelled out his compassion for his family in his poems all his life. He often recited those poems. In the meantime, Tetsuzan continued to pursue his interest in calligraphy and poetry. He held his first demonstration and exhibition at the Cherry Blossom Festival in New York in 1982. Since then, he continued to hold shows regularly in the United States and Japan. A number of temples and shrines from all over Japan requested his calligraphy for specific occasions. Tetsuzan’s work is in many private collections in Japan, the United States and Europe.