JCC E-Magazine July 2016

During the opening ceremony.

On 1st July 2016, Friday, JCC had the pleasure to host the opening ceremony of the Japanese Sumi (Black Ink) Painting Exhibition. This exhibition showcases the captivating works of Ms Nakatani Suisen, an award-winning Japanese calligrapher.

Born in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, Ms Nakatani studied under renowned calligraphers such as Yamanaka Taisen, Kato Kaho, and Tamura Kukoku. Her calligraphy displays her own interpretation of Kokutsu-bun (甲骨文) – the ancient Chinese hieroglyphic characters curved on animal’s bones or tortoise carapaces.

Ms Nakatani cites that she is fascinated by these ancient characters that imply the meaning of life, nature, and people’s feelings in ancient times. While the primary colours on her works may be black and white, Ms Nakatani’s fluid forms with Sumi ink communicate a contemporary energy and vital force while maintaining a correspondence with the art’s ancient practice. This has resulted in a series of artworks that combine calligraphy and contemporary art.

In 1984, Ms Nakatani was presented the prestigious Gen-nichi Prize at the Gen-nichi Calligraphy Exhibition. Since then, she has continued to win numerous awards in Japan and abroad – including Thailand, Austria, Hungary and France. She has also held solo exhibition in Japan, USA and Thailand.

Guests viewing the exhibition at the opening ceremony.

Ms Misako Ito, Director of JCC (Japan Creative Centre) making her welcoming speech.

The opening ceremony began with a welcome speech by JCC Director Ms Misako Ito, who was delighted to have Ms Nakatani’s exhibition kickstart the latter half of the year which marks SJ50 – the 50th Anniversary of Singapore-Japan Diplomatic Relations.

This was followed by Ms Nakatani’s welcome remarks, who expressed that she would be glad if her artistry can help to further promote the friendship between Singapore and Japan in any way.

Ms Nakatani’s exhibition will be running till 23rd July 2016, Saturday, so do drop by JCC!

Ms Nakatani Suisen giving her welcome remarks, with her son Mr Nakatani Noboru, helping with the interpretation.		Ms Nakatani Suisen with guests at the opening ceremony.
Guests viewing the exhibition at the opening ceremony.		Guests viewing the exhibition at the opening ceremony.
Ms Nakatani Suisen and her son Mr Nakatani Noboru with guests at the opening ceremony.		Guests viewing the exhibition at the opening ceremony.
Mr Giuseppe Joe Spinelli, Principal of Raffles Design Institute and Mr Ong Kai How, Director of Branding of Raffles Design Institute viewing the exhibition at the opening ceremony.		Ms Misako Ito and Ms Nakatani Suisen with Mrs Rosa Daniel, Chief Executive Officer of National Heritage Board.
Ms Misako Ito and Mr Nakatani Noboru with guests at opening ceremony.		Guests viewing the exhibition at the opening ceremony.
Ms Nakatani Suisen with Mr Tan Jong Lek, Vice President of The Japanese Cultural Society at the opening ceremony.		Ms Misako Ito, JCC staff, Ms Nakatani Suisen’s disciples together with Ms Nakatani Suisen holding the SJ50 Logo.

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2016 marks the
50th Anniversary of Singapore-Japan Diplomatic Relations