Meisui Hatano Solo Exhibbition

"PARAISO"

November exhibition at NY Coo Gallery features Meisui Hatano’s second solo exhibition.

In her first U.S. solo exhibition held at our gallery (July, 2006), Hatano impressed unsuspecting viewers with her distinctive style that overthrows the conventional concept of sho, or Japanese calligraphy. Many traditional Japanese calligraphers find their identity in the classic art of sho. For them, mastering of traditional sho is the ultimate goal.
For Hatano, however, that is of the least importance. Hatano’s sho does not concern itself with tradition. It is neither respect nor hommage towards past sho masterpieces that drives her. Her creative force comes from her determination to incorporate sho with modern art. Hatano’s sho is a form of self-expression using kanji (Chinese characters). Through her work, Hatano expresses her inner-self, exposing both her expectations for future self and who she is today.

The title of the exhibition, “PARAISO,” is Portuguese for paradise. It is a place no one has ever seen or been to. A Shangri La. Still, it remains to be the final destination − a sacred place − everyone dreams about reaching someday.
Hatano’s sacred place does not exist in the act of competing with so many calligraphers who pride themselves in mastering, or copying, great masters who cast absolute authority over Japanese sho community even today. Hatano’s sacred place exists in her challenge to establish sho as modern art and struggle for self-expression. 

“To me, Sho is a word that cheers me up when I’m down. It encourages me to think positive. It is also an exciting word because when I’m having fun, it makes me to want to share every moment with others. It allows me to feel agreeable. The word Raku (＊)means ‘fun’ in English but I don’t want people to place too much attention on it. I’d like everyone to enjoy my work as if they are peeking into my heart,” says Hatano. 

* * * *

Originally conceived to recapture the essence of New York City, “Raku” series is back with even more daring approach to sho than the first time.

There will be an opening reception to celebrate Hatano’s return to our gallery on November 9, 2007.

We will be looking forward to seeing you all. The exhibition runs through November 24th. 

(＊): Hatano uses a Chinese character “Raku”（楽）as motif for all her sho.

＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊

Meisui Hatano Profile

1983〜  Studies under Master Yukoku Nozaki
1996〜  Studies under Master Tokoku Harada after Master Yukoku Nozaki's death
2002    Solo Exhibition at Donburi Kaikan (Toki City, Gifu)
        Solo Exhibition at Gallery Wind (Nakatsugawa City, Gifu)
2004    Wins Mainichi Prize at the Mainichi Calligraphy Contest
2005.6   Solo Exhibition at Tofu Kobo (Kasugai City, Aichi)
2006.1   Solo Exhibition at CAELUM GALLERY (NY）
2006.7   Solo Exhibition at NY Coo GALLERY (NY)
2006.8   Solo Exhibition at Ohsu (Nagoya City,Aichi )
2007.11  Solo Exhibition at NY Coo GALLERY (NY)