Japanese artist to display work at JBU
Posted on Sunday, April 8, 2007
Makoto Fujimura is traveling to Arkansas for his second visit and this time he is bringing his artwork with him.
Last time the artist visited the state was with a group from Yale University Center of Faith and Culture; they attended a Tyson Foods tour as guests. An essay written by Fujimura after the field trip noted that he gazed upon the astounding inner-workings of the Fortune 500 company while a tour guide explained what they beheld.
The roles are reversed in this trip to Arkansas. Fujimura will be the guide, explaining the theories of his complex, beautiful paintings.
“ I rarely now do exhibit at small universities, so this is very unusual for me, ” Fujimura wrote in an e-mail. “ I am excited to meet the students and folks that I do not get to usually discuss art with. ”
Fujimura is the most distinguished artist to be exhibited at John Brown University’s art gallery this year. The New York City-based painter is an internationally acclaimed artist whose paintings are eagerly sought in both Japan and United States.
“[Fujimura ] has received quite an impressive list of recognition in Japan and is currently finding that same recognition in the U. S., ” said Charles Peer, professor of art and design at JBU.
Fujimura blends his paint with carefully ground minerals that create remarkably rich color. The method of blending paint and minerals spawns from an ancient form of Japanese painting called Nihonga.
“ People categorize my work in different ways to try to understand them but ultimately, I am trying to recreate these boundaries of art, ” Fujimura said.
He is bringing 11 pieces of artwork to the JBU gallery, Peer said.
Fujimura said his “ Splendor ” series will be displayed; a collection of paintings done post-Sept. 11. Living and working in close proximity to the World Trade Center, Fujimura was greatly impacted by that day and it is reflected in his work.
Born in Boston, the painter received a globe-hopping education with an undergraduate degree from Bucknell University, master of fine arts from Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music and an additional degree from Japanese Painting Doctorate Program.
Fujimura will speak in chapel at JBU at 10: 30 a. m. Thursday. The exhibit opening reception is 6 to 8 p. m. Thursday. Fujimura will speak briefly at 6: 30 p. m., Peer said.
“ Splendor” will be displayed through May 5. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
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