Colors of the Earth: Nihonga Paintings and Natural Mineral Pigments

The Nippon Gallery at The Nippon Club is pleased to present the exhibition, “Colors of the Earth – Nihonga Paintings and Natural Mineral Pigments”, directed by Prof. Kouan Hashimoto, one of the leading researchers on natural mineral pigments in Japan and curated by Ms. Shoko Hayashi, an independent curator. The exhibition will run from June 20 to July 17, 2019.

The different colors and shade of Iwaenogu depends on the size of the grain. Finer ground particles produce color that is lighter and more pale. Prof. Hashimoto has been receiving attention from the international art world by successfully producing delicate Iwaenogu in pale Japanese colors through modern Nanotechnology.

This exhibition, with the collaboration of Joshibi University of Art and Design and the Society of Powder Technology of Japan, will show not only paintings, but many artworks on a variety of material expressing the delicateness of Iwaenogu.

To show a bold usage of the medium, we are also presenting the artwork of American Nihonga painter, Allan West, who moved to Japan after being fascinated with Iwaenogu. Mr. West finds beauty in the nature that surrounds him, and he expresses that nature with a contemporary and ingenious sensibility that inherits the tradition of the Rimpa School as well as the brushstrokes style unique to the Kano School.

We hope you will enjoy and experience the broad expressions that Iwaenogu can produce through the exhibiting artists’ sincere visions and profound thoughts in this medium.

Participating Artists
1)  Kouan Hashimoto, Professor Emeritus, Joshibi University of Art and Design
2)  Kimio Muraoka, Specially-appointed Professor, Joshibi University of Art and Design
3)  Kaori Kishino, Professor, Joshibi University of Art and Design
4)  Hiromichi Miyajima, Professor of Japanese Painting, Joshibi University of Art and Design
5)  Akiko Inada, Associate Professor of Japanese Painting, Joshibi University of Art and Design
6)  Minako Watanabe, Professor of Textiles, Ceramics and Glass, Joshibi University of Art and Design
7)  Nao Kudo, Professor of Textiles, Ceramics and Glass, Joshibi University of Art and Design
8)  Junichiro Yoshida, Professor of Textiles, Ceramics and Glass, Joshibi University of Art and Design
9)  Shizu Ara, Associate Professor of Textiles, Ceramics and Glass, Joshibi University of Art and Design
10) Ayako Osaki, Specially-appointed Associate Professor of Textiles, Ceramics and Glass, Joshibi University of Art and Design
11) Eiko Nomi, Professor of Visual Design, Joshibi University of Art and Design
12) Hiroko Matsumoto, Professor of Product Design, Head of Department, Joshibi University of Art and Design
13) Hideki Bitoh (Senryu), Specially Appointed Guest Professor, Joshibi University of Art and Design
14) Makio Naito, Professor, Joining and Welding Research Institute, Osaka University
15) Allan West, Nihonga, Japanese Painting, Artist
16) Mohri Suzuki, Calligrapher

Organized by The Nippon Club

Special Collaboration with Joshibi University of Art and Design
Supported by Consulate General of Japan in New York, The Japan Foundation, New York, The Society of Powder Technology, Japan and Nihama City Museum of Art
Director: Kouan Hashimoto
Curator: Shoko Hayashi