#8:Kototama/Showa/Dance
KOTOTAMA
We are excited to begin a new period of intercultural exchange at J-LABO Brooklyn with the first U.S. solo exhibition of the brilliant Japanese calligrapher and artist Sugita Koki.
Reception Part 1 at Globus Washitsu on Decenber 4th
The exhibition was held at the Globus Washitsu in Manhattan on December 4. Approx. 40 guests who participated in this fabulous Omotenashi party enjoyed with Sake, Sushi and Art.
A tea ceremony provided by Tea-Whisk and a collaboration performance by Sumie Kaneko (Shamisen) and Koki Sugita (Calligrapher).
Reception Part 2 at J-LABO Brookyn on December 7thh
The Koki’s solo exhibition, KOTOTAMA was held at J-LABO Brooklyn in Park Slope from December 7thto 20th. We are so honerd to be with approx. 100 guests at the opening reception on December 7th.
This show marks the genesis of a new technique involving the use of calligraphy on Tatami matting, which was traditionally made from woven straw and has always been integral to the life and culture of the Japanese people.
Performances by Koki and Masayo Ishigure (Koto).
Supporters
Globus Washitsu: http://www.nycwashitsu.com/ Address：889 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
Itoen: http://www.itoen.com/
Yatsushika Syuzo: http://www.yatsushika.com/
Sumie Kaneko: http://www.sumiekanekomusic.com/
Koki Sugita: http://sugitakoki.com/
Tea-Whisk: http://www.tea-whisk.com/Tea-Whisk/Welcome.html
Masayo Ishigure: http://www.letsplaykoto.com/
Showa
J-COLLABO Live Performance from j-collabo.org on Vimeo.
Opening Reception: Saturday, April 12, 2014, 8:00PM-10:00PM
Music by WATER BRAIN
Nick Chen ( ENIX )
Dean G. Brown
Fumio Tashiro
Dance by Blue Muse Dance NYPerformer: Malin Barr
Closing Reception: Saturday, April 19, 2014, 8:00PM-10:00PM
Music by Combat JazzJohn McQueeney – sax
John Turner – trumpet
Jorge Manahan – guitar
Trevor James Walker – drums
Fumio Tashiro – bass
Dance by Blue Muse Dance NY
Performers: Hazuki Homma, Femi Olagoke, Stefania Dalmonte, Natalie Kolbo, Brian C. Jones & Robin Johnson’
Dance
“My Dance Teacher” : Sengiku Bando with a film “Kool : Dancing in my mind” on May 2 at J-LABO.
“Kool:Dancing in my mind” by Robert Wilson and Richard Rutkowski.
The film is about Suzushi Hanayagi, a traditional Japanese dancer, who over the years has become very influential as a dancer and choreographer. SuzushiHanayagi in the film has also collaborated with avantgarde director Robert Wilson, who refers to her as “My Teacher”
Dance Performance by Sengiku Bando
A new generation of a dancer, choregrapher from Japan, Sengiku Bando has performed at theater festivals such as Avignon, and the Sciviu Festival in Romania. The performance begins with images of the New York scene. Sengiku Bando, starts to perform her own original piece inspired by these images, seen behind her, which dissolve into own space and live performance
Kaoru Watanabe – fue
Fumio Tashiro – bass
Video by
Hisami Kurosawa and Miho Morita
Afterwards, we will continue with a panel discussion with Sengiku Bando, and a New York dance choregrapher, about Japanese traditional dance as presented and interpreted in overseas cultures
This was an art exhibit of the mixed media pieces of Yuichi Sugai and the video art installations of Miho Morita. This exhibit entitled, Vigorous Showa, examines and commemorates a period of rapid growth and evolution in 20th century Japan.
In Japanese history the Showa period represents the time of rapid social and economic growth that eventually established Japan as a world super power. This period is revered in Japanese history, since it followed many years of international and domestic upheaval including two world wars and the use of nuclear weapons that devastated the infrastructure as well as the spirit of many Japanese people. The period of Showa is often referred to as “Time of disturbance and turbulence.” Vigorous Showa pays homage to this cherished time in Japanese history. A time in which the spirit and vitality was restored in the hearts of Japan’s people.
“Vigorous Showa” : Art Exhibition from April 12 to 20 at J-LABO.
J-COLLABO held two Winter Festivals for Artists from Japan & NY and Kids in Park slope.
The audiences enjoyed uniquely constructed a multi disciplinary art showcase or games at J-Collabo’s 3500 square feet with seatings on three sides experimental space, J-LABO Brooklyn.