Yasuko Hasumura,

En, 2009

Ink, Japanese paper on canvas

35.8 x 28.6 x 1.2 inches (91 x 72.7 x 3 cm)

SEIZAN Gallery New York is pleased to present Sumi: Japanese Ink Painting from Post-War to the Present, a group exhibition of artists who have redefined traditional Sumi painting throughout their careers. Featuring Yasuko Hasumura, Yuichi Inoue, Toshiyuki Kajioka, and Toko Shinoda, Sumi opens Wednesday January 9th, 2019 at SEIZAN’s Chelsea gallery. The opening reception will be held 6-9pm on Thursday, January 10th. 

Sumi, or black ink painting, is one of the most established and recognized artforms in Japan today. Traditionally created using only ink, brushes, and Japanese paper, the art of Sumi was revolutionized in the 1950’s when artists such as Yuichi Inoue and Toko Shinoda sought to free the medium by combining Sumi with abstraction, performance art, and radical new materials. SEIZAN is proud to bring together four artists who have each played a key role in redefining Sumi as a vehicle for experimentation. In addition to well-known Sumi masters Inoue and Shinoda, the exhibition will feature artists Yasuko Hasumura and Toshiyuki Kajioka, two rising stars in Japan who continue to push Sumi to new heights through their incorporation of experimental mediums and subject matter.

Special thanks to The Tolman Collection of New York for their collaboration on the inclusion of works by Toko Shinoda. The catalog for the exhibition with an accompanying essay by Ryan Holmberg, the Visiting Associate Professor at The University of Tokyo, will be available for purchase at the gallery. ARTISTS: Yasuko Hasumura Yuichi Inoue Toshiyuki Kajioka Toko Shinoda