This exhibition features contemporary artists from Japan and Korea who pursue innovative new movements in calligraphy, amplifying age-old traditions into a contemporary dialogue. Their works range from traditional wall scrolls to explorations in dimensional installation, with surprising ways of thinking about the brushstroke and its potential to meet in symphony with paper.
Exhibiting artists Etsuko Ichikawa (US/Japan), Bisei Fukushima Koshu (Japan), Michiko Hamasaki (Japan), Sogen Hirano (Japan), Ryukoku Inamura (Japan), Noriko Keitoku (Japan), Taisang Han (Korea), and Dojun Jung (Korea) will each present a selection of works that exemplify their unique takes on calligraphy. While the art form has traditionally derived from written language, each artist imbues meaning into their work in different ways, whether through the embodiment of stylized characters or through action-focused strokes. The gallery will be closed on the following dates: Thanksgiving Day (Nov 28), Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (Dec 24 & 25).
PARTICIPATING ARTISTS:
Image above: Bisei Fukushima Koshu
Wind God • Thunder God • Dragon God • Rock
ink, gold pigment on paper, 2024
Michiko HamasakiSky/Emptiness
ink on paper
Tai Sang HanSeries 16-03-12
mixed media on canvas, 2016
Sogen HiranoSymphony
ink on silk, 2024
.jpeg)
Etsuko Ichikawa
Trace 1622
glass pyrograph on paper, 2022
Ryukoku Inamura
The Gathering of People’s Anger
tenkoku print on paper
Do Jun Jung
From the Origin
ink on paper, mounted on panel, 2017
Noriko Keitoku
Iroha
ink, pigment, gold leaf, silver leaf on folding screen, 2024
Ryukoku InamuraThe Gathering of People’s Anger
tenkoku print on paper
Do Jun JungFrom the Origin
ink on paper, mounted on panel, 2017
Noriko KeitokuIroha
ink, pigment, gold leaf, silver leaf on folding screen, 2024
EXHIBIT-RELATED PUBLIC EVENTS:
ACTIVATIONS: After Hours at the Gallery
Thursday, November 7 from 5 – 8 pm in Yokouchi Pavilion & Courtyard
This special pre-opening edition of ACTIVATIONS features dynamic calligraphy performances by Bisei Fukushima Koshu, Michiko Hamasaki, and Sogen Hirano, accompanied by sound artist Max High. Food and beverage offerings available for purchase during the event. FREE Entry! Ticketed reservations required via MACC Box Office: mauiarts.org
Click HERE to register
Workshop: Ink • Brush • Paper
Sunday, November 10 from 1 – 4 pm in Alexa Higashi Meeting Room
Bisei Fukushima Koshu, Michiko Hamasaki, and Sogen Hirano will introduce the fundamentals of ink and brush work, guiding participants in the art of calligraphy. $50 per person, includes materials. To register contact: galleryassistant@mauiarts.org
Artist Talk: New Takes on Tradition
Saturday, December 7 at 1 pm in the Alexa Higashi Meeting Room
In this slide presentation, artists Etsuko Ichikawa and Taisang Han will present their respective careers and unconventional approaches to modern calligraphy.
FREE! No RSVP required
Presenting Sponsors:
