Experience the beauty and power of calligraphy that goes beyond boundaries

To welcome the New Year 2025, the Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam proudly presents “Calligraphy Beyond Boundaries by Aoyagi Bisen,” a captivating performance and exhibition by Japanese calligrapher Aoyagi Bisen. This unique event offers an opportunity to explore the delicate artistry of Japanese calligraphy while showcasing the artworks which embody the rich cultural exchange between Japan and Vietnam, through the collaboration with Vietnamese designers.

Aoyagi Bisen is a young, talented calligrapher who is active both inside and outside of Japan, and has performed calligraphy in more than 10 countries. Last year, she presented a calligraphic work commemorating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Vietnam, and continues to present the new world of calligraphy under the theme of “tradition and innovation”.

<Event Highlights>

Calligraphy Performance: 14:00, Saturday, 21st December 2024

Aoyagi Bisen will perform live, creating three calligraphy pieces that symbolize the enduring bond between Japan and Vietnam. The performance is a rare chance to witness the intricate process of calligraphy, as the artist brings traditional Japanese characters to life in a new context.

Exhibition: January 4 – February 16, 2025

The exhibition will showcase her 3 calligraphy works, featuring her distinctive style and new artistic explorations. This includes a collaboration with a young Vietnamese designer, who contributed to the innovative color scheme, background design, and conceptual approach of the pieces. Together, they’ve created works that transcend cultural boundaries, merging traditional Japanese calligraphy with modern design elements.

In recent years, she has been challenging new ways of expression, such as VR calligraphy and 3D calligraphy, using the latest technology to reproduce delicate brush strokes in three dimensions, which you can see in the videos at the exhibition.

EVENT INFORMATION

ARTIST PROFILE

Aoyagi Bisen (Japanese Calligrapher/Artist)

Born in Osaka in 1990, based in Osaka.

She began studying calligraphy at the age of 4 under the influence of her grandmother, who was born in a temple. Completed her studies at Baika Women’s University, Department of Japanese Culture and Creative Studies, majoring in calligraphy, and graduate school at the same university, majoring in Japanese language and Japanese literature. Obtained a first-class high school teaching license (calligraphy).

While attending school, she studied Chinese calligraphy, came into contact with many research from famous calligraphers such as Kukai, Ueda Soukyuu, and Nakabayashi Gochiku. At the age of 19, she began working on calligraphy performances in order to rebuild the calligraphy club, which was on the verge of closure. She has been selected and won awards at many calligraphy exhibitions.

In 2023, the [Grand Puja Commemorating the 1250th Anniversary of the Birth of Kobo Daishi Kukai, the Founder of the Sect] will be held at the World Heritage Site “Koyasan Sohonzan Kongobu-ji Temple”, a sacred place for Japanese Buddhism founded by Kobo Daishi Kukai, one of Japan’s three great masters of Buddhism. Dedicated the giant folding screen “Hensho” and the VR NFT work “Heart Sutra”.

In the same year, she won the Mainichi Award, the highest award, at the 74th Mainichi Calligraphy Exhibition.

In terms of calligraphy performances, she is active globally, performing not only in Japan but also in more than 10 countries around the world, including France, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates. In recent years, she has been working on creating works using VR (virtual reality), such as three-dimensional calligraphy and three-dimensional works using letters.

With tradition and innovation as mottos, she continues to challenge new forms of calligraphy.

Recent years

Outside Japan, she performed at the event of commemorating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Japan-Vietnam diplomatic relations, which was given to the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam.

“World Road Congress UAE” Opening calligraphy performance

In Japan, she performed as the opening act in front of approximately 60,000 spectators at the “Emperor’s Cup JFA 99th All Japan Football Championship” held at the National Stadium.

Dedicatory calligraphy at the World Heritage Site “Mt. Koya”, giant folding screen work in the “National Stadium VIP Room”,

In addition, she created calligraphy work for the charity art event “Feel-LovePROJECT MUSIC & ART2024”, which attracted attention with the support of Mr.children, backnumber, Kazumasa Oda, and others. She is also actively involved in social activities, such as serving as a PR ambassador for the Shodo performance Koshien.

IMAGES FOR PR AND REFERENCES

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For inquiries on the exhibition and artists interview, please contact at:
Ms. Linh (024-3944-7419, ext. 115) / Mr. Osuka (070-513-7550)
The Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam
27 Quang Trung, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
TEL: 024-3944-7419