Aida Mitsuo Calligraphy Exhibit Reception to Show Many Different Styles of Calligraphy
The Aida Mitsuo Calligraphy exhibit reception, co-curated by the Washington and Lee University Japanese Program, will be Jan. 14, 4:30–5:30 p.m. in Leyburn’s Main Floor Exhibit Niche.
The reception will include green tea and Senbei, a type of Japanese rice cracker.
On a recent trip to Tokyo, Janet Ikeda, associate professor of Japanese and department head of East Asian Languages and Literatures, visited the Aida Mitsuo Museum and decided that Aida’s writings would be an appropriate theme for the Japanese Program this year at W&L.
In a calligraphy workshop the students learned the basics of writing with a brush. In the Japanese Program, each selected an Aida phrase for their calligraphy practice and could imitate the writing style of Aida or develop their own unique calligraphy style. Each student memorized a phrase and produced a final masterpiece for this exhibition. English translations of each phrase will be provided at the exhibition.
“Mitsuo Aida (1924-1991) was a Japanese calligrapher and poet with a distinctive style of writing with brush and ink,” said Ikeda. “Many of his writings reflect his deep appreciation for life. His words resonate with many people and have become a summons for us all to take a moment out of our busy lives to realize the preciousness of the here and now.”
“We hope these words inspire many in the university community as we start a new year,” said Ikeda.
