National Sumi-e Society Exhibit Opening Reception

Description

On October 30th, ArtCenter Manatee welcomes the Sumi-e Society of America to their galleries.
SUMI-E is the Japanese word for Black Ink Painting. East Asian Painting and writing developed together in ancient China using the same materials —brush and ink on paper. Emphasis is placed on the beauty of each individual stroke of the brush. The Chinese speak of “writing a painting” and “painting a poem.” A great painting was judged on three elements: the calligraphy strokes, the words of the poetry (often with double meanings and subtle puns) and the ability of the painting strokes to capture the spirit (Ch’i) of nature rather than a photographic likeness. The artists of Japan, Korea and Malaysia learned from the Chinese and then developed their own versions of East Asian brush painting. 
The Society was created in New York in 1963 by Professor Motoi Oi to foster and encourage an appreciation of East Asian brush painting. Until 1978, its annual exhibitions were held in New York City. When asked why he had started the Sumi-e Society, Mr. Oi answered, in part, "In the East, paintings reflect the great joy of culture. They are a reflection of an intense personal idiom. My idea was to provide a means through which the fresh, new spirit of American culture could be viewed in Sumi-e."

The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. The reception will be Friday, Nov 2, 4-6pm.