Being a Child of the Creative Age

Mako Fujimura is an acclaimed Japanese-American visual artist, founder of the International Arts Movement,
and member of the National Council on the Arts. His work, which explores a fusion of contemporary American abstract expressionism with the traditional Japanese art of Nihonga, has been exhibited all over the world.

Fujimura was educated bi-culturally in the US and Japan. After graduating from Bucknell, Fujimura received an M.F.A. and a doctorate from Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music. He was honored in 1992 as the youngest artist ever to have had a piece acquired by the Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo. He was also the youngest person ever to be given a Presidential appointment to the National Council on the Arts, the highest arts position in the United
States.

Fujimura founded the International Arts Movement in 2002. His studio was close to Ground Zero, and he could not help be deeply affected by the events of 9/11. His sense of community and hope of restoration was demonstrated at TriBeCa Temporary. See also his essay The Fallen Towers and the Art of Tea.

Fujimura uses all natural materials in his art. "I am more and more convinced that the imperfections are more important to define humanity than perfected products. Acrylic and synthetic mediums can accomplish great feats in design and other plastic applications, but in direct painting, I believe that natural mediums.... have 'memory imprints' of the past, and Japanese materials in particular (reflect) a collaboration with nature, heritage crafts and art."

Artist and Critic Robert Kushner: "The idea of forging a new kind of art, about hope, healing, redemption, refuge, while maintaining visual sophistication and intellectual integrity is a growing movement, one which finds Fujimura's work at the vanguard."

Fujimura will provide an illustrated talk followed by a reception at the Johnson Museum.

This event is co-sponsored by Chesterton House, Bethel Grove Artists Group, Cornell United Religious Work, Cornell Catholic Community, and Protestant Cooperative Ministries.