Creativity,
imagination and a poetic mind-set
Using himself as a tool,
abstract Japanese calligraphy artist Masahiko Nakayama creates meditative
black and grey-toned forms which express the world around him. Although
an “advanced” calligrapher with strong technique, Nakayama’s
approach to his work is completely unconventional. Rather than simply
use the standard calligraphy brush he will often experiment by substituting
“tools” from nature such as a tree branch or blade of
grass, to form his characters. Because these tools don’t allow
the use of traditional techniques, the forms are more simplistic and
prone to chance. It is this element of chance and the deeper meanings
found in nature, which highly interest Nakayama and provide the philosophy
behind his work. The
theme of this exhibition is “connections”. It refers
to the connection between our thoughts and feelings, between human
beings and the universe and between one another. To communicate
this connection Nakayama uses the ripples of water and rain as his
metaphor. In addition to the hanging scrolls adorning the walls,
the space will be filled with handcrafted Japanese umbrellas and
white cylindrical shapes decorated with Nakayama’s abstract
forms.
| When: |
8
– 23
August 2006 |
| Where: |
Japan
Foundation Gallery |
|
