Yuichi Inoue “Draw Passionately and Elegantly”

Nukaga Gallery

[Image: Yuichi Inoue "Dreams" (1970)]

This event has ended.

Following the end of World War II, Yuichi Inoue chose not conform to the rules of the traditional calligraphy world, instead advocating for liberation from existing methods. As a result, his calligraphy as expression of his personal thoughts shifted towards the sphere of visual art. Today Inoue’s calligraphic practice is regarded as important in a way comparable to contemporary art movements such as European Art Informel, American Abstract Expressionism, and Gutai in Japan.
According to Inoue, “Chinese characters shouldn’t be seen only as symbols of communication in shape and sound. Calligraphy exists for deeper reasons.” His words make us aware that his calligraphy successfully expresses something new that had never been explored in notions of Western art. In doing this he developed a completely fresh approach to expression that went beyond ideographical nature and structural beauty using only simple materials - sheets of paper and India ink.
This exhibition will present various examples of single character calligraphy work, which were at the core of his practice, as well as several multi-character works that stir the emotions.