Luminosity in Monochrome:
Japanese Ink Painting and Calligraphy
Doi Gōga (1818–1880), Kappa Blowing
Out his Soul, late 19th cent., hanging
scroll, Ex-Addiss-Seo Nanga Collection
Rotation 2: "The Life of the Mind"
Nov. 20, 2010 – Jan. 22, 2011
After focusing on artists’ imaginings of the natural world in "Reflections of Nature," the Clark Center presents "The Life of the Mind," the winter installment of Luminosity in Monochrome: Japanese Ink Painting and Calligraphy. This second rotation features calligraphy alongside representations of mythology and faith.
The technical and aesthetic bases of ink painting, calligraphy in Japanese and particularly Chinese characters is thought to reveal learning, intellect, aesthetic taste, character, and moral rigor. Among several calligraphic works on display will be a poetic inscription on longevity from 1823 by the renowned literati painter Kameda Bōsai (1752–1826). Representing calligraphy in the contemporary context is the largest and most recent object in the exhibition, a single Chinese character, "Ai" (愛), meaning 'love,' written on a 10 x 10 foot sheet of cloth by Hirano Isa (b.1973) in 2009. The abstract beauty and dynamism of Japanese calligraphy can be appreciated by everyone, regardless of one’s ability to read the script. Viewers will also have the opportunity to see several works by the delightfully eccentric Doi Gōga (1818–1880), such as his dancing skeletons and his kappa or river sprite. These playful yet poignant paintings by an extraordinary but little known artist are some of the curiosities at the Clark Center.
Kameda Bōsai (1752–1826), Long Life, 1823,
hanging scroll, Ex Addiss-Seo Nanga Collection,
gift of Mr. & Mrs. Don Simon
Drawing together new acquisitions, never-before exhibited pieces and long-standing treasures of the Clark Center, Luminosity in Monochrome also features works generously loaned from private collections, including the acclaimed Sansō Collection. This exhibition thus offers visitors a rare chance to see magnificent artworks from a broad range of styles and historical moments. Viewers will be impressed by the depth, eloquence, boldness, and diversity that can be achieved with this most simple, yet technically demanding, means of painting.
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Curated by Rhiannon Paget, Curatorial Assistant
Gallery hours: Tuesday through Saturday 12:30 – 5 pm. Closed on national holidays and during the month of August.
Admission: $5 for adults, $3 for students and active military service with valid ID. Children 12 and under free.
Weekly docent tours are held Saturdays at 1 pm and guided group tours can be arranged by calling the Center in advance at (559) 582-4915.