AOI YAMAGUCHI CALLIGRAPHY

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Calligraphy for Blue Eye Samurai on Netflix

[vc_row][vc_column][rs_special_text]Calligraphy for Blue Eye Samurai: On View on Netflix[/rs_special_text][/vc_column][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJ1yQn17lbE” align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I had an honor to work on the kanji title of @netflix Blue Eye Samurai, 『碧眼』— “Blue Eye”.

「碧」(blue) is also part of my name 碧生 — but I wanted this 「碧」to be unique, in a way that reminds viewers of the protagonist Mizu.

I was looking at Mizu’s eyes, the sharp, elongated, handsome eyes. Then exploring the various writing styles from historical references, I resonated with the style of Zhao Mengfu in Yuan Era, with 5th stroke 白 (white) similar to the sharp Mizu’s eyes. From this idea as a starting point, I worked on versions of sketches. I had this remark from the director Jane Wu – even “silence before drawing the sword” to be translated into the movement of brushstrokes, lingering in my head.

Finally, we landed to the final design — the first stroke of both characters are written in a triangular shape that evoke an imagery of the moment when a Katana (sword) being drawn out of its Saya (case). 碧 with that Mizu’s sharp eye. The last stroke of 眼 piercing through the 9th vertical stroke, which reminds you of the last sword movement that pierces through the opponent with no hesitation.

Thank you Amber Noizumi, Michael Green, Jane Wu and especially Nicholas Cofrancesco for the wonderful opportunity to work with and trusting me with the process.

Original works written with a horse hair brush with Sumi ink on high-grade gasen-shi paper.

Read interview on TUDUM Netflix: Immerse Yourself in This ‘Blue Eye Samurai’ Research Guide to Edo-Period Japan
“Calligraphy was central to communication and reflected the style of the writer.”

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11月3日Netflixにて配信開始となった「Blue Eye Samurai / ブルー・アイ・サムライ」の漢字題字揮毫、また劇中の様々なシーンに登場する、手紙、看板、刀剣制作工程などの、手書きの筆文字の多くを手がけました。

題字の『碧眼』については、私の名前の一部である「碧」が入っていることからより思い入れも深く、いかにこの二文字を、作品の看板となる題字として「Blue Eye Samurai」を代弁できるような表現が出来るかに試行錯誤しました。

着想を得たのは主人公「みず」のその鋭い眼。復讐の旅に出る孤独な侍の断固として揺るぎなくも、どこか繊細で鋭いシャープ感がある目の形をスケッチしながら書体を考察して行く中で、趙孟頫の「碧」の白の書き方にみずの瞳を彷彿とさせるものがあると思い、そこからデザインを展開していきました。監督ジェーンの「刀を抜く前の静けさをも」表現するような線を書いてほしい、との声を、何度も反芻しながら。

最終的に辿り着いたのは、刀を鞘から抜き取る瞬間を思わせるような運筆で書いた「碧」と「眼」の第一画目、みずの眼をイメージした「白」のある「碧」、そして対峙者を一瞬で仕留めるような鋭く迅速な刀裁きをイメージした「眼」の最終画は九画目の縦線を貫く形。全体として、一寸の油断も許さないような力強くスピード感ある運筆で、この若き侍のスレンダーな身なりと卓越した刀の動きとを想いながら揮毫しました。

制作に関わってから２年、ついに公開を迎え、感慨深い思いです。脚本を書かれたアンバー・ノイズミ、マイケル・グリーン(LOGAN／ローガン、Blade Runner 2049/ブレード・ランナー2049)、監督のジェーン・ウー率いる才能溢れる制作チームの一員として、書を通して制作に関われたことを光栄に思います。ハリウッドならではのスリル溢れるアクションは言うまでもなく、また違った角度から日本文化と歴史を、そして人種・アイデンディティについても考えさせられる、日本への深い愛を感じられる作品だと思います。ぜひご高覧いただけたら嬉しいです！[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][rs_image_block align=”align-center” image=”8105″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding=”pt-70 pb-70 pt-xs-50 pb-xs-50″][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][rs_buttons btn_size=”btn-medium” btn_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.netflix.com%2Ftitle%2F81144203″ btn_text=”WATCH BLUE EYE SAMURAI ON NETFLIX” text_color=”#ffffff” background_color=”#333333″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

November 3, 2023
Live Calligraphy Performance at ArtScapes 2023: Sogetsu San Francisco Bay Area Branch 50th Anniversary

I’ll be performing large-scale live calligraphy at the grand opening ceremony of ArtScapes 2023, an contemporary Ikebana exhibit celebrating the 50th anniversary of Sogetsu San Francisco Bay Area Branch, at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco this Saturday.

The performance will be accompanied by Galen Rogers, a San Francisco-based dancer, performer, and the director of Jiten Daiko; Kevin Chen, a Shakuhachi player; and Jiten Daiko, a taiko drumming ensemble based in San Francisco.

I am honored to be performing for Sogetsu for the second time, since the last performance back in 2016 for Sogetsu 90th Anniversary. If you are in town, please come see our performance and say hi, and enjoy the beautiful Ikebana exhibition!

–
ArtScapes 2023
Ikebana Exhibit by Sogetsu San Francisco Bay Area Branch

Grand Opening Ceremony
Saturday, September 23, 2023, 10am –
@ Golden Gate Park County Fair Building
1199 9th Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Free Admission

September 20, 2023
Talk @ beyond tellerrand Düsseldorf, Germany

[vc_row][vc_column][rs_special_text]Talk at Beyond Tellerrand Düsseldorf 2023: “瞑想と書：Meditation with Calligraphy”[/rs_special_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][rs_image_block align=”align-center” image=”8129″][rs_space height=”15px”][/vc_column][vc_column][vc_column_text]I was invited to speak at 2023 edition of beyond tellerrand, an amazing creative conference in Germany hosted my the one and only Marc Thiele, and this time, in Düsseldorf.

This time, I talked about the Meditation with Calligraphy — and how the two are intertwined as the art of mental and physical practice, leaving a visual trace of time, movement and emotion through the ink. I went deeper into what goes on in my mind while I’m working on calligraphy throughout the creative process, inside or outside of my studio, for my personal works, client works to performances. I had a wonderful time sharing my story, my process, my work, my passion. Loved meeting everyone, reuniting with my dear friends, always great energy and inspiration at Beyond Tellerrand.

The special moment on stage for me was to close my eyes and meditate with everyone about the ocean waves… the theater-full of closed eyes 😌 Thank you all for joining me on a journey to 瞑想 Meiso – “meditation”!

Meditation is a crucial part in my creative process. Sharing this process step by step in this talk made me realize how much time I spend to centering myself by travel into my deeper thoughts with eyes closed, and repeat the process of visualizing and writing, the endless trial and error finding that balance within myself and in my calligraphy.

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瞑想と書：Meditation with Calligraphy

Probing the Depth of the Mind with Ink and Brush

From ancient times in Eastern countries, calligraphy has been described as “the reflection of the Mind”. Introduced from China in the 6th Century, calligraphy is a highly regarded form of art that combines the literary components of the language and visual elements in Japanese culture. The practice has become a discipline, way of thought and study, one’s spiritual pursuit, and is a life-long journey to find one’s own “strokes”. Master calligrapher and artist Aoi Yamaguchi goes deeper into the relationship between meditation and Japanese calligraphy. She explores how the two are intertwined as the art of mental and physical practice, leaving a visual trace of time, movement and emotion through the ink. How does a symbol, or a stroke, embody feelings, stories, and music? Exploring some examples, she will talk about what goes on inside her mind during her own calligraphy process – from daily practice in her atelier, for client projects, or in front of an audience for a live calligraphy performance.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

April 20, 2023
Currently on View: Solo Exhibition「墨と心象」”Sumi: Inner Landscapes” at Hugomento in San Francisco

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Currently on View: Solo Exhibition「墨と心象」”Sumi: Inner Landscapes” at Hugomento in San Francisco

My solo exhibition, first time in 11 years in the United States, opened at Hugomento in San Francisco on November 12. This exhibition showcases my selected artworks from the past 7 years exploring the world of tanboku (淡墨), in the form of bokushō (墨象), also known as zen-ei shodo (前衛書道), the art of abstract expressionism through the medium of Japanese calligraphy, including selected pieces from the series Momentum: Movements in Nature (2015), 陰翳 IN-EI: Resonance of Shadows (2016), and TWELVE 十二の記憶: Ode to Piano Classics (2022).

When you walk into the main gallery space, you will be welcomed by 『奔』Run on the largest wall. This is one of the 12 pieces I’ve written during the live performance “TWELVE 十二の記憶: Ode to Piano Classics” at an amazing creative conference THU in Portugal this September. This piece was inspired by Frédéric Chopin’s one of the most famous piano classics, Polonaise No.6 in A-Flat Major Op.53, “Heroic”. I chose to perform to this piece as the second track in the playlist, symbolizing the early phase in a journal of my life. While listening to the grandiose spectacle of this piano composition, I was remembering my young self following my passion and running through all the challenges and hardships to overcome. While holding a brush, I was immersed in the energy that made me run toward a triumph to realize my goals, in pursuit of my dreams. I want to dedicate this piece to all the young dreamers in the world.

At the gallery, you will have an access to the music composed by Corey Fuller inspired by the theme of 陰翳 IN-EI: Resonance of Shadows, for you to enjoy while viewing the artworks on exhibit, as well as a performance video and playlist of TWELVE 十二の記憶: Ode to Piano Classics. I recommend visiting the gallery with your own headphones / earbuds for the best experience. Hope you will have a chance to visit the gallery, and enjoy tranquilness in a beautifully curated gallery space. The exhibition is on view until the end of the year. Original artworks and limited edition giclée prints of selected works are available for sale. Please contact the gallery for inquiry or purchase.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][rs_image_block align=”align-center” image=”7931″][rs_space height=”25px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

h u g o m e n t o
795 22nd Street,
San Francisco, CA 94107
hugo@hugomento.com
hugomento.com
+14155057609

Hours:
Wed – Fri, 1-6 pm
Sat – Sun, 1-5 pm
and by appointment

hugomento is a boutique art gallery in Dogpatch, San Francisco owned and curated by Hugo Lai. Whether you’re looking for one-of-a-kind handcrafted ceramic art, a unique and original print, painting, sculpture, or other objet d’art, or simply want to experience one of the city’s most soulful small galleries, Hugomento is a must visit. Current artists include Mitch Iburg, Janet Jones, Marco Minetti, Blaise Rosenthal, Aoi Yamaguchi, Justin Zielke, among others.

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Artworks in the photographs above:

奔 Run
Inspired by Polonaise No.6 in A-Flat Major Op.53, “Heroic”, Frédéric Chopin
From the series TWELVE 十二の記憶: Ode to Piano Classics
2022, 55.5″x 54″, Sumi ink, Double-layered Japanese Gasen-shi Paper

光 Light
2016, 53” x 27.25”, Sumi ink on Japanese gasenshi paper
From the series 陰翳 IN-EI: Resonance of Shadows

翳 Shadows
2016, 53” x 27.25”, Sumi ink on Japanese gasenshi paper
From the series 陰翳 IN-EI: Resonance of Shadows[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

November 23, 2022
Solo Exhibition 「墨と心象」Sumi: Inner Landscapes at Hugomento in San Francisco opening on November 12, 2022

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山口碧生個展 | Aoi Yamaguchi Solo Exhibition

「墨と心象」 Sumi: Inner Landscapes

Contemporary Japanese Calligraphy and Bokushō Expressions

I am excited to announce my upcoming solo exhibition at hugomento in San Francisco, on view from November 12 until the end of the year. I will be showing selected artworks from various conceptual series exploring abstract expressions using the mixture of Tanboku (淡墨) and Noboku (濃墨) that I have been working on in the past decade. I hope this exhibition brings you new discoveries in witnessing the possibilities of Sumi ink, and feel the music and poetry in its dramatic expressions. I will be present at the opening reception on Saturday, November 12 from 3pm-6pm. Please RSVP from the link below. I look forward to seeing you there!

Opening Reception: November 12, 2022, 3-6pm
Exhibition: November 12 – December 31, 2022

Link to RSVP

Through endless experimentation, Aoi Yamaguchi explores the depth of the shades and expressive effects that sumi ink can create in the monochromatic linguistic landscape.

The chemistry between tanboku (淡墨: light-colored sumi ink) and Japanese gasen paper is sublime. From the moment the ink touches the paper, the ink fuses with paper and ripples out, as if the ink is alive and paper is breathing. With the right balance of water and sumi written in an unbroken motion through a brush, on a delicate and velvet-like surface of gasen paper, clear brush stroke edges emerge as the water evaporates, within an aura-like blurred edges that continues to expand. Utilizing the lightness and fluidity of tanboku combined with various traditional suiboku-ga techniques and brushworks, the artist expresses her interpretation of the character or words from her self-composed poems through her abstract calligraphic paintings.

This exhibition showcases her selected artworks from the past 7 years exploring the world of tanboku (淡墨), in the form of bokushō (墨象), also known as zen-ei shodo (前衛書道), the art of abstract expressionism through the medium of Japanese calligraphy, including selected pieces from the series Momentum: Movements in Nature, 陰翳 IN-EI: Resonance of Shadows, and TWELVE 十二の記憶: Ode to Piano Classics.

輪廻転生 Reincarnation, 2017, Sumi ink, Gasenshi paper

presented by

h u g o m e n t o
795 22nd Street,
San Francisco, CA 94107
hugo@hugomento.com
hugomento.com
+14155057609

Hours:
Wed – Fri, 1-6 pm
Sat – Sun, 1-5 pm
and by appointment

hugomento is a boutique art gallery in Dogpatch, San Francisco owned and curated by Hugo Lai. Whether you’re looking for one-of-a-kind handcrafted ceramic art, a unique and original print, painting, sculpture, or other objet d’art, or simply want to experience one of the city’s most soulful small galleries, Hugomento is a must visit. Current artists include Mitch Iburg, Janet Jones, Marco Minetti, Blaise Rosenthal, Aoi Yamaguchi, Justin Zielke, among others.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_btn title=”RSVP for Opening Reception” style=”classic” shape=”square” color=”black” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eventbrite.com%2Fe%2Faoi-yamaguchi-sumi-inner-landscapes-tickets-454369530497″ el_class=”btn btn-mod btn-gray btn-round product_type_simple” css=”.vc_custom_1667429421174{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

November 2, 2022
“ONI: Thunder God’s Tale” by Tonko House x Netflix released on Oct 21, 2022

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/PgSYux7UcXU” align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Tonko House’s newest animated miniseries “ONI: Thunder God’s Tale”, which I had a honor of working on the calligraphy title for, was released on @netflix worldwide on Friday, October 21, 2022!

We had a ONI crew screening & wrap party a week before the release date in West Hollywood, which was full of tears and laughters, rollercoaster of emotions… it was so incredible.

While watching Onari’s journey, I saw myself in her and Naridon’s struggles — I was remembering the time when I decided Japanese calligraphy to be my career for my life. I asked myself, “What is it that only I can do, and no one else can? What was I born to do in my lifetime, in this world?” And then I remembered my master’s words when I received the first prize from the Minister of Education for my calligraphy when I was 14 years old — in his gentle, graceful voice, he said slowly — “Aoi-san, this is telling you that you must continue to practice calligraphy.”

It was the path I chose for my life. It was about realizing what I have, what I grew up to do, accepting it as my fate, and commit to it as a responsibility to nurture, to grow with, to continue to share with the world, and to pass it on to the next generation. And this path, Japanese calligraphy, has brought me many meaningful encounters that I hold dear to my heart.

Accepting, believing, and stand for the belief — the power is all within you.

This epic series “ONI” is full of emotions and beauty throughout — adorable and irresistible characters, magnificent light in every scene, vibrant colors and shades of nature, powerful music scores that tells a story itself… both traditional and modern Japanese culture depicted so authentic yet new. This is a tale that only the director Daisuke “Dice” Tsutsumi can tell, and only Tonko House can create. I’m more than grateful and fortunate to have been part of it.

I can’t wait for the whole world to experience #ONI!

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#oni #onithundergodstale #tonkohouse #netflixanime #神々山のおなり[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_btn title=”WATCH ONI on NETFLIX NOW” style=”classic” shape=”square” color=”black” align=”center” i_icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-caret-square-right” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.netflix.com%2Ftitle%2F81028343″ css=”.vc_custom_1667442779604{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

October 21, 2022
Online Japanese Calligraphy “Shodo” Workshops for October

[vc_row][vc_column][rs_image_block align=”align-center” image_link=”yes” image=”7808″ link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.aoiyamaguchi.com%2Fworkshops%2F”][rs_space height=”25px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Starting this fall, I am offering separate workshop sessions for the “first-time” beginners and returning students, so that you can get introductory lesson from the first-time beginners class, and then simply continue to practice from the following month in the returning students class. The key for improvement is to practice regularly! I am offering one week-day session and one weekend session to fit your schedule, and you can choose whichever works for you – both sessions will be the same content. Selected characters for the month are inspired by the traditional Japanese seasonal word that are used in Haiku and Tanka, to appreciate the transient beauty in nature that shift along with four seasons. Autumn is the perfect season to start a new journey into something anew. Hope to see you there![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Online Japanese Calligraphy “Shodo” Workshop
for First-time Beginners

October 神無月の会

『楓』-maple leaf-

Designed for first-time youth & adult beginners, this workshop covers the basics of Japanese calligraphy: brief history, proper use of calligraphy tools, posture, fundamental brushwork and techniques to get you started.

DATES & TIMES
Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at 10:00am – 11:30am PST
Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 10:00am – 11:30am PST[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_btn title=”REGISTER HERE” style=”flat” shape=”square” color=”black” size=”sm” align=”center” i_icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-calendar-alt” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eventbrite.com%2Fe%2Fjapanese-calligraphy-shodo-workshop-for-first-time-beginners-october-tickets-416827671787″ el_class=”btn btn-mod btn-gray btn-round product_type_simple” css=”.vc_custom_1664304615671{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Online Japanese Calligraphy “Shodo” Workshop
for Returning Students

October 神無月の会

『紅葉』-autumn leaves-

For dedicated students who have attended one of our calligraphy workshop before – dive into challenging writing new characters for the month for your continued practice. This class focuses on basic brushworks to strengthen your calligraphic skill, while seeking balance between your mind and body.

DATES & TIMES
Thursday, October 13, 2022 at 10:00am – 11:30am PST
Saturday, October 23, 2022 at 10:00am – 11:30am PST[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_btn title=”REGISTER HERE” style=”flat” shape=”square” color=”black” size=”sm” align=”center” i_icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-calendar-alt” add_icon=”true” el_class=”btn btn-mod btn-gray btn-round product_type_simple” css=”.vc_custom_1664304769023{background-color: #ffffff !important;}” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eventbrite.com%2Fe%2Fjapanese-calligraphy-shodo-workshop-for-returning-students-october-tickets-417001933007″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

September 28, 2022
Online Japanese Calligraphy “Shodo” Workshop for July
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Online Japanese Calligraphy “Shodo” Workshop
for July 2022

Basics of Japanese Calligraphy

In this 1.5 hours hands-on workshop, get an intimate exploration of fundamental Japanese calligraphy brushwork, and find balance within yourself through meditative calligraphy process. The workshop begins with the basics: proper use of the calligraphy tools, posture and manners. Participants will be introduced to the chosen character for the month, with in-depth lectures on basic calligraphy writing techniques and brushwork, focusing on the formal Regular Script called “Kaisho”. Participants will be practicing on hanshi calligraphy paper, while contemplating on the meaning of the character.

The chosen character for July is:
『蓮』Sacred Lotus

* The workshop is designed to accommodate youth & adult beginners. No prior art experience or knowledge of Japanese language is necessary.

DATE & TIME
Sunday, July 31, 2022 10am – 11:30am Pacific Standard Time

LECTURE & TEXTS
This workshop will be instructed by Aoi Yamaguchi. Original worksheets and handouts in PDF will be provided for participants to print out prior to the session. Lesson will be taught in English. Knowledge of Japanese language is a plus, but is not necessary.

SUPPLIES & MATERIALS
Participants are required to prepare their own Japanese calligraphy tools and supplies for the session.
- “Fude” Calligraphy brush
- “Suzuri” or “Bokuchi” Ink well
- “Bokuju” Bottled sumi ink
- “Hanshi” Calligraphy Hanshi paper (W24.3cm x H33.4cm)
- “Mousen” Calligraphy felt pad (2mm thickness, W27.8cmｘH38.0cm or similar)
- “Bunchin” Paper weights
- Worksheets printouts (PDF will be provided via the email prior to the session)
- Old newspapers or extra black felt (to dry wet artworks on)
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_btn title=”REGISTER CLASS” shape=”square” color=”black” align=”center” i_icon_fontawesome=”far fa-calendar” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fateliertowa-beginners-shodo-workshop-july2022.eventbrite.com” css=”.vc_custom_1656821109125{background-color: #ffffff !important;}” el_class=”btn btn-mod btn-gray btn-round product_type_simple”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
July 2, 2022
Online Japanese Calligraphy “Shodo” Workshop for June
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Online Japanese Calligraphy “Shodo” Workshop
for June 2022

Basics of Japanese Calligraphy

In this 1.5 hours hands-on workshop, get an intimate exploration of fundamental Japanese calligraphy brushwork, and find balance within yourself through meditative calligraphy process. The workshop begins with the basics: proper use of the calligraphy tools, posture and manners. Participants will be introduced to the chosen character for the month, with in-depth lectures on basic calligraphy writing techniques and brushwork, focusing on the formal Regular Script called “Kaisho”. Participants will be practicing on hanshi calligraphy paper, while contemplating on the meaning of the character.

The character for June is:
『螢』(fireflies)

* The workshop is designed to accommodate youth & adult beginners. No prior art experience or knowledge of Japanese language is necessary.

LECTURE & TEXTS
This workshop will be instructed by Aoi Yamaguchi. Original worksheets and handouts in PDF will be provided for participants to print out prior to the session. Lesson will be taught in English. Knowledge of Japanese language is a plus, but is not necessary.

SUPPLIES & MATERIALS
Participants are required to prepare their own Japanese calligraphy tools and supplies for the session.
- “Fude” Calligraphy brush
- “Suzuri” or “Bokuchi” Ink well
- “Bokuju” Bottled sumi ink
- “Hanshi” Calligraphy Hanshi paper (W24.3cm x H33.4cm)
- “Mousen” Calligraphy felt pad (2mm thickness, W27.8cmｘH38.0cm or similar)
- “Bunchin” Paper weights
- Worksheets printouts (PDF will be provided via the email prior to the session)
- Old newspapers or extra black felt (to dry wet artworks on)
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][vc_column align=”center” width=”1/3″][vc_btn title=”REGISTER CLASS” style=”flat” shape=”square” color=”black” size=”sm” align=”left” i_icon_fontawesome=”far fa-calendar” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fbeginners-shodo-workshop-online-june-2022.eventbrite.com” el_class=”btn btn-mod btn-gray btn-round product_type_simple” css=”.vc_custom_1653949341299{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
May 30, 2022
Performances, Workshop and Talk at Japan Days “WA” Kaunas 2022

I was invited to be part of “Japonijos Dienos Kaune WA” celebrating the culture of Japan as part of the Kaunas 2022 programme – Kaunas is one of the chosen cities of European Capital of Culture for 2022. I will be presenting two performances, teaching a workshop and giving a talk throughout the festival, starting from April 25 – May 1, 2022.

04.28 | THURSDAY 17:30-
AOI YAMAGUCHI x SENSELESS DRAWING BOT

PARALLEL PERFORMANCES OF JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY BY A CALLIGRAPHER AND ABSTRACT ART BY DRAWING BOT

For the first time, a calligrapher and a drawing bot perform large-scale live art together on their own canvases under the united theme.

Senseless Drawing Bot, created by So Kanno in collaboration with Takahiro Yamaguchi, is a self-generated drawing machine utilizing the chaotic movement of a double pendulum and drawing abstract lines. Japanese calligrapher Aoi Yamaguchi, utilizing her skills she mastered in classical training from the age of 6, will be expressing her artistic interpretation of the concept of the “void” – questioning the contrast between robots and humans when being in the state of emptiness and entirely being in the moment.

While Kanno and Yamaguchi’s Senseless Drawing Bot approximates graffiti by eliminating the human body and expressing itself only through an autonomous algorithm, Aoi Yamaguchi expresses her artistic interpretation of characters, words and poetry through calligraphy brushes, drawn through her organic physical movements. This unique collaborative performance invites viewers to witness the possibilities of human vs. robot, and challenges you to ask yourself what is ‘self’.

04.29 | FRIDAY 17:00-
間 (MA) – and everything in between –

COLLABORATIVE PERFORMANCE OF CALLIGRAPHY, DANCE AND SOUND

Japanese calligrapher Aoi Yamaguchi performs conceptual, large-scale live calligraphy in collaboration with Lithuanian dance theater “Aura”, Susanna Maggio and Francesca Pizzuti, accompanied by a sound composition by Tokyo-based musician and multimedia artist Corey Fuller. In an unconventional setting, this conceptual performance explores the concept of 間 (MA) – “space” in our lives, that has challenged us in recent years. When the world shut down, we had to distance ourselves from others, we were left in our own enclosed space, and faced our inner-selves. When the world collided and our freedom had been taken away, we had to adapt to the new normal and seek ways to and find a space where we feel safe. And we are still on that journey looking for a place where our minds and hearts are at peace ; 間 (MA) for space, 間 (MA) for time, 間 (MA) for the distance, 間 (MA) for silence — and everything in between.

Duration: 20 minutes

04.30 | SATURDAY
11:00-13:00 JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY “SHODO” WORKSHOP

VMU, V.Putvinskio st. 23
Registration at: kaunas2022/eu/en/wa

15:00-16:00 TALK “The Brush and I”

VMU, V.Putvinskio st. 23

Checkout the beautiful programme: https://kaunas2022/eu/wa

More about Kaunas 2022: https://kaunas2022.eu/

April 27, 2022