Thursday, May 29th
6:30 – 8:00 PM (doors open at 6:00 PM)
Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center | Directions
Tickets: $25 non-members, $20 JASGP members
Join us for a multi faceted performance of different traditional Japanese artistic expressions hosted by calligrapher Ellie Shuesen (エリー秀仙) and composer/narrator Yui Kitamura (北村ゆい). Calligraphy, or Shodo, is an ancient form of Japanese art that has become one of Japan’s most culturally significant media over the last few centuries, and has evolved and expanded in many different modern forms thanks to artists like Ellie Shuesen. In this performance, live calligraphy painting will be paired with traditional Japanese stories that have been translated and will be narrated in English by Yui Kitamura, accompanied with recorded music which was composed by Yui Kitamura.
“Yamanashi (Wild Pear)”
A short story by Kenji Miyazawa
(English translation by Eric Margolis)
and more!
About Ellie Shuesen
Beginning calligraphy at the age of seven, this artist transitioned to full-time creative work in 2020. Her work draws inspiration from classical calligraphy and the concept of finding light within despair, aiming to merge traditional Japanese spirituality with contemporary expression.
Utilizing advanced calligraphic techniques, she treat characters as pictorial elements. Incorporating ink wash painting, she infuse their works with the power of nature. While exploring contemporary art practices, she actively participate in international events and create interior art pieces.
Website: https://ellie.jp/en
Book: https://x.gd/RzEz8
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellieshuesen/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ellieshuesen
Multicultural Sonic Evolution (MuSE) was co-founded in 2007 and was incorporated as not-for-profit organization in 2009. It is co-directed by composer Yui Kitamura and percussionist Chihiro Shibayama with a simple objective: To better the world with the power of music. Through its annual programming, MuSE collaborates with artists from various disciplines and backgrounds in hopes of sharing classical and popular forms of music with the public. https://www.musefriends.org/
Your donation helps to support Japanese arts, business, and cultural programs in Philadelphia including the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival, lectures and workshops, preservation of Shofuso, and much more.
