The Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC) is delighted to celebrate the opening of our Fall 2016 showcase and the final installment of our 2016 Brush Strokes Series with a special live calligraphy and jazz vibraphone performance!

Master calligrapher Setsuhi Shiraishi specializes in shodo, a Japanese form of calligraphy, and is known for her large-scale performance works. Ms. Shiraishi will provide insight into the world of traditional and modern Japanese calligraphy during her upcoming exhibition: Neo-Calligraphy.

To open the exhibition, Ms. Shiraishi will deliver a brief presentation on the history of calligraphy before performing a live demonstration with popular DC-based vibraphonist, Chuck Redd. Please join us as Ms. Shiraishi introduces us to Japanese ink brush painting through a soulful appreciation of a traditional art with a modern twist.

Registration is required.

This is part of the JICC's upcoming exhibition, Neo-Calligraphy with Setsuhi Shiraishi. The exhibition is open from September 16th through October 13th, Monday - Friday, 9AM-5PM (closed on holidays).

Japanese calligraphy, or shodo, has a long history and is widely practiced by the Japanese people from a young age. It takes on many forms, including kaiso, with strong, clear strokes; gyousho, with its semi-cursive style; and sousho, a flowing, stylized cursive art form.

Stemming from her interest in calligraphy as a child, Setsuhi Shiraishi became a calligraphy master at 22 years old. Through her work, she developed her own unique style of expressing herself with a contemporary twist: “Neo-Calligraphy.” Using a combination of traditional Japanese calligraphy with musical performance and other fine arts, such as fashion and jewelry, Ms. Shiraishi’s Neo-Calligraphy expands the horizons of Japanese calligraphy and offers a fresh, vibrant perspective on the role of ink in a digital environment.

Through her Neo-Calligraphy, Ms. Shiraishi hopes to introduce people around the world to both traditional and modern Japanese ink brush painting, connecting them through nature and a soulful appreciation of being present in a demanding world.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

After achieving mastership in calligraphy at just 22 years old, Setsuhi Shiraishi pursued her own form of calligraphy called “Neo-Calligraphy.” She has exhibited her work around the world, including exhibitions in Paris, Ginza, and Brooklyn. She had the honor of designing the “Enjin” ring concept for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Japanese team jersey, and created an installation for the 2015 Japanese pavilion at the Expo Milano. She also collaborates with many other artists, including accessory designer RYONA and musicians Adam Unsworth and Jiang Ziao-Qing.

Ms. Shiraishi is based in Omotesando, Tokyo, where she holds regular calligraphy lessons at her salon in the art space and café, Sakaiki.

This exhibition is free and open to the public. The exhibition will run from September 16 until October 13 and will be open to the public during regular JICC hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The JICC will be closed on October 10 in observance of Columbus Day (US) and Physical Education Day (JP).