美術家 清水義光の芸術世界

Profile

Shimizu Yoshimitsu

Born in January, 1944, in Hofu-city, Yamaguchi-prefecture, Japan.
Graduated from Tokyo Gakugei University, Arts & Calligraphy.

Selected as a member of the students group from the Kanto Region, Japan, to form 'A Visiting Group
to China to Make Good Relationship'. In 1966, with an invitation, visited Canton, Hangzhou, Shanghai
and Beijing. Then brought back many copies of epigraphs widely spread of periods from Han Dynasty
(BC206) to Six Dynasties (AD 589)and exhibited them in various places in Japan.

In 1975, travelled in Greece, England, France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Holland.
Visited museums, art galleries, and churches, and studied icons and frescoes. Encountered with great
work by Giotto and Masaccio. After this travel, worked on self-portraits and human figures. These were
recognized by then already well-known a Japanese painter Nakagawa Kazumasa. An art critic, Yonekura
Mamoru said,'The memorable work of the first successful fusion of Japan and Western sensibility.'

The project of creative people of three countries: Japan, Korea and China was held at Machida
International Block Print Museum, which was televised on NHK.

Modern Art Exhibition in Seoul: exhibited 2 calligraphy and 4 oil paintings.

Art Biennale of 5 countries, Japan, America, India, China and Korea, in Seoul. Invited and exhibited an
oil painting,'Girl', which created a sensation.

Published book: A King, Full of Life: An Oil painter & Zen Priest Nakagawa Kazumasa (from Kawadeshoboshinsha).

The artist has made many friends with famous people. Most of them are painters and 'men-of-letters'
such as a painter, Nakagawa Kazumasa: poet, Shimizu Hian; an author, Takii Kosaku; a novelist, Mushakoji
Saneatsu and a painter, Kumagai Morikazu.

The encounter with a painter, Nakagawa Kazumasa, through the studies on Tomioka Tetsusai, had a great
influence on him. Eventually he published a book on this painter. Reversely, Mr. Nakagawa was influenced
by Mr.Shimizu, and started calligraphy and making pottery seals. Their friendship had lasted for 24 years
until Mr. Nakagawa passed away.

He has been working in a wide range of artistic fields such as calligraphy, pottery, painting, dyeing, seal
engraving, design (incl. space design), editing and publishing. Currently he is an editor of Culture magazine,
New Power Kun.

He lives in Tokyo.

(Translated into English by Shizue Sunaga, in London.)