Chiharu Shiota: Sumi-e Workshop

15.30–17.00 Sumi-e Workshop

Today, Japanese paintings are generally known as nihonga, but this term was coined during the modern era, i.e., during the Meiji period (1868–1912). Nihonga, which was intended to “modernize” Japanese painting, is characterized by the use of traditional paints, hence delicate and gentle colors. In pre-modern Japanese painting, however, sumi-e (ink painting) was the predominant form of expression, featuring shades of black ink and dynamic lines of brush strokes. At the Tokyo Bijutsu Gakko (now Tokyo University of the Arts), which led art education in modern Japan, the practice of brush drawing was actively practiced in the Nihonga Department until the early 20th century. In this workshop, after an overview of the history of Japanese painting, participants will experience actual sumi-e painting with sumi ink and brush, referring to a copybook used at the Tokyo Bijutsu Gakko.

Due to limited capacity, participants may reserve a spot in only one of the two workshop sessions.
Photography and video shooting permissions will be requested from the workshop participants.
Workshop materials will be supplied by the museum.
The workshop will be in English.
The workshop is not suitable for participats under 18 years old.