BIOGRAPHY
I am Hiroshi Wada, a calligraphy artist based in Kyoto, Japan.
I started practicing Japanese Shodo (literally means the way of calligraphy) at the age of 5.
I won a prize several times in the Nitten exhibition, which is the biggest and greatest general art exhibition in Japan. Currently, I exhibit my works mainly in the US and Europe.
I aim to make Japanese classical calligraphy acknowledged as art that reaches an international level, which can be accepted as contemporary art and blended into scenes in the world, with out-of-the-box style, not following only the traditional way.
Black and white Japanese ink drawing on rice paper is quite simple but has the established styles performed since ancient times. But I try to forget everything that I have learned so far and start with a clear mind to draw each word like an innocent child. In this way, the works will form a vibrant union between the familiar and enigmatic, and an intriguing divergence between the past and present. Each drawing line will be refined and the word itself will be turned to avant-garde but still readable. This requires a high level of concentration, daily discipline, and skill. This is the calligraphy I wish to achieve.
As a calligrapher, I have been drawing various words. Each character has its own meaning. I am more than happy if people see my work and feel the meaning. Even if some people do not understand the word’s meaning, I hope they can feel something in their own way, such as relaxed, inspired, energized, or peace of mind.
My artwork might be considered as heresy from the standpoint of the classic traditional Japanese calligraphy. However, I believe unless we break classical traditions or common sense, truly new things cannot be made. This might seem strange now, but I strongly believe the time will come someday in the future, it may be several decades later or even hundreds of years later after I leave this world, and people will understand eventually my thoughts and way.
CV
PROFILE
– Lives and works in Kyoto (born in Iizuka city, Fukuoka and raised in Kyoto)
– Started calligraphy training at the age of 5
– Graduated from Kindai University
– Started receiving training under Ryosetsu IMAI at the age of 30
– In 2011, 2012, and 2014, selected for the Nitten Exhibition (one of the most prestigious fine arts exhibitions in Japan)
– In 2017, determined to present his artworks that transcend the boundaries of calligraphy to the world.
SOLO EXHIBITION
2019 Hiroshi Wada The First New York Solo Exhibition / Agora Gallery – New York, United States
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2023 “Art On Loop London-Athens” at The Holy Art, United Kingdom and Greece
2023 “All Art+ Fluidity” at Van Der Plas Gallery, New York, United States
2023 “CENSORED” at M.A.D.S. Art Gallery, Milan, Italy
2023 “Canvas International Art Fair 2023 – Visions” at Palazzo Albrizzi Capello, Venice, Italy
2023 “Sprung 7” at ARTHOUSE.NYC, New York, United States
2022 “Brain Cake” at M.A.D.S. Art Gallery, Barcelona, Spain
2022 “Art San Diego” at San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, United States
2022 “Love In Multiple Forms” at Agora Gallery, New York, United States
2022 “Better life: ART can do it” at Museo del Mar, Alicante, Spain
2022 “Artexpo New York” at Piers 36 New York, New York, United States
2022 “I The World Revolves Around Me” at M.A.D.S. Art Gallery, Milan, Italy
2021 “Winter Art Festival” at Virtual Artists, London, United Kingdom
2021 “FIABCN2021” at Museu Marítim de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
2021 “Red Dot Miami” at Mana Wynwood Convention Center, Miami, United States
2021 “Hysterica” at M.A.D.S. Art Gallery, Milan, Italy
2021 “Artexpo New York” at Piers 90 New York, New York, United States
2021 “The Tomorrow of Art” at Galleria 360, Florence, Italy
2021 “DE.MO” at M.A.D.S. Art Gallery, Milan, Italy
2021 “Borders Art Fair 2021|Future Landscapes”, The Room Contemporary Art Space, Venice, Italy
2021 “International Contemporary Art Fair Monaco 2021”at Chapiteau de Fontvieille, Monaco
2021 “We Contemporary Art Show 2021 Vienna” at Raum Salmgasse, Vienna, Austria
2021 “Art Summer Festival / Virtual Artists” in London, United Kingdom
2021 “Venice Internatinal Art Fair 2021” at The Room Contemporary Art Space, Venice, Italy
2021 “KROMATIC@RT” at M.A.D.S. Art Gallery, Milan, Italy
2021 “New Art” at Galleria 360, Florence, Italy
2020 “Collective Art Show” at Van Gogh Art Gallery, Madrid, Spain
2020 “Lost in Art” at Galleria 360, Florence, Italy
2020 “Art Marbella 2020” at Palacio de Ferias, Marbella, Spain
2020 “AAF” at Super Studio Più, Milan, Italy
2019 “The Tomorrow of Art” at Galleria 360, Florence, United States
2019 “Red Dot Miami” at Agora Gallery, Miami, United States
2019 “The Illusion of Reality” at Trevisan International Art, Bologna, Italy
2019 “Imaginibus” at Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio, Milan, Italy
2019 “Rhythms of Emotions” at Galleria 360, Florence, Italy
2019 “Collection” at Jelmoni Studio Gallery, Piacenza, Italy
2019 “Artexpo New York” at Piers 90 New York, New York, United States
STATEMENT
I create my work using the techniques of Japanese calligraphy. Although based on traditional calligraphy, I am not working on creating the classic calligraphy, but rather on “art of lines” that attempts to capture and transcend the essence of traditional calligraphy.
Drawing lines is often thought of as a simple and easy task that anyone can do. However, a line full of soul and life in it is not something that can be drawn easily. For me, half a century of training in calligraphy is the foundation for drawing a lively line. For example, a three-dimensional line like a tree branch, or a sharp line that would cut and bleed if touched with a finger. How the supporting lines complement the main line, or the battle between black and white. I find beauty in the echoes between lines.
I draw Japanese letters, but I do not think there is a direct relationship between the meaning of the letters themselves and the beauty created by their lines. Also, some of my works are damaged (stained). When the inevitable lines that I have drawn by my own hand are beautifully fused with the accidental damage (stains), an echoing also occurs. There is a fine line between accidental damage (stains) becoming garbage and miraculously fusing into beauty.
I wish to draw lively lines that have the power to move us.
