Shoko Kanazawa : The Calligrapher of Prayers
November 1st — November 22nd, 2024
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Opening Friday, November 1st from 4:00 - 6:30pm
*Shoko Kanazawa and her mother Yasuko Kanazawa will join the opening.

Wada Garou is pleased to announce the upcoming exhibition, Shoko Kanazawa: The Calligrapher of Prayer.

Kanazawa began practicing calligraphy under her mother, Yasuko, at the age of five. Her works, including her renowned piece Fujin Raijin (Wind God and Thunder God), have deeply moved many people. Her live calligraphy performances and art offerings at sacred temples and shrines such as Ise Jingu, Todaiji, and Kenninji, as well as her exhibitions in Japan and abroad, continue to receive high praise. This exhibition will feature approximately 30 works, including nine new works.

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​ARTIST STATEMENT

​The exhibition will showcase approximately 30 selected works, including nine new, unreleased pieces that reflect a new direction in her art. A special display of her iconic folding screen Souten (Blue Sky) is also planned. Her soulful calligraphy has brought many to tears, leaving viewers deeply moved. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Shoko Kanazawa’s world, where love and prayer are expressed in every stroke.

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PROFILE
Shoko Kanazawa
Calligrapher. She began learning calligraphy at the age of five under the guidance of her mother, Yasuko, who is also a calligrapher. She is one of Japan's leading calligraphers and is known worldwide. Shoko is widely recognized as a calligrapher with Down syndrome. She has dedicated her works to famous shrines and temples such as Ise Shrine and Todaiji Temple, held exhibitions at art museums, and has had solo exhibitions and performances in various parts of the world, including New York and London. She presented her large work "Inori" (Prayer) to the Pope in Vatican City, created the title calligraphy for the NHK Taiga drama "Taira no Kiyomori," produced the official art poster for the Tokyo Olympics, and was entrusted with the formal writing of the poems composed by His Majesty the Emperor Emeritus. In 2013, she was awarded the Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon.

Official Website

INFORMATION
Shoko Kanazawa : The Calligrapher of Prayers
November 1st – November 22nd, 2024
Opening Friday, November 1st from 4:00-6:30pm
Tuesday to Saturday 1:00 - 6:30
 
WADA GAROU TOKYO Lab.
Matsuzawa 8 Bldg. 3F, 3-5-16 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061