Tokyo artist – Sawako Art

Contemporary Japanese artist and adorable landscape titled “Hakone in Natural Splendor”

October 14, 2018February 14, 2019Posted in Japanese Art, Landscapes, NatureTagged Art in Hakone, Art of stunning Hakone, Contemporary Japanese artist, Contemporary Tokyo artists, Hakone in art, Lee Jay Walker, Modern Tokyo News, Modern Tokyo Times, Sawako Utsumi, Sendai artist, Tohoku artist, Tokyo artist, Tokyo newsLeave a comment

Contemporary Japanese artist and adorable landscape titled “Hakone in Natural Splendor”

The contemporary Japanese artist Sawako Utsumi recently produced another adorable art piece that focused on the natural landscape of Hakone. True to the nature of Utsumi, she bypassed the possibility of focusing on Mount Fuji that can be seen in parts of Hakone and other more famous landmarks. Instead, the first impression of Hakone inspired her, rather than the vast majority of tourists who move on to other parts of Hakone on arrival.

In the art piece titled “Hakone in Natural Splendor,” Utsumi focuses strongly on the stunning river that flows in the vicinity of your arrival. This applies to people arriving via the Hakone-Yumoto train station before the majority of tourists moving on to other parts of Hakone. Of course, some people stay in this part of Hakone because of several fine hotels and spas. However, in general, it is a base to moving to other areas because of the stunning natural scenery of Hakone, the rich cultural heritage, and religious setting and legacy of Shintoism.

Utsumi, herself, adores walking by rivers and streams because she loves nature and watching birds – notably kingfishers and dippers that illuminate the natural settings. Hence, it seemed natural that Utsumi would focus heavily on the river based on the twists and curves – and various colors that hit the eyes.

She states, “Walking by the river is where I can escape the stresses of life. It is where nature and the flow of water seem free from the terrible excesses of humanity. Yet, in truth, even the most serene landscape can be an illusion because of pollution and the struggle to survive. Despite this, in moments of wanton forgetfulness, I can dream about a world outside of negativity when I walk along the river bank.”

Overall, just like tourists seek to escape modern life by visiting amazing tourist areas like Hakone, the artist also enables you to escape because of the stunning landscape Utsumi produces. Hence, the river and mountain landscape renders the impact of humans to be secondary and inconsequential. Therefore, another adorable art piece by the contemporary Japanese artist Sawako Utsumi based on the richness of nature.

Written by Lee Jay Walker

https://fineartamerica.com/featured/hakone-in-natural-splendor-sawako-utsumi.html

http://sawakoart.com

Please email Sawako Utsumi at sawakoart@gmail.com

Japanese artist illuminates a classic Dutch art piece by Hendrick Avercamp

June 26, 2018February 14, 2019Posted in Dutch Art, LandscapesTagged Contemporary Japanese artist, Contemporary Tokyo artist, Dutch art and Hendrick Avercamp, Dutch art and Japan, Hendrick Avercamp, Hendrick Avercamp and Dutch Art, Japan and Dutch art, Japanese artist, Lee Jay Walker, Modern Tokyo News, Modern Tokyo Times, Sawako Utsumi, Sendai artist, Tokyo artist, Tokyo news, Utsumi SawakoLeave a comment

Japanese artist illuminates a classic Dutch art piece by Hendrick Avercamp

The contemporary Japanese artist Sawako Utsumi is once more focusing on the world of Dutch art. This time it is Hendrick Avercamp (1585-1634), unlike past art pieces that focused on Esaias van de Velde (1587-1630) and Aert van der Neer (1603-1677). Therefore, the delightful different color scheme and various different angles once more come to the fore in the latest art piece by Utsumi.

Avercamp had to overcome adversity because it is widely believed he was deaf and a mute. This is based on documentation that stipulates his name being the Kampen Mute. Hence, one can only imagine how Avercamp overcame such obstacles and how society treated him.

Irrespective of this, his early landscapes were extremely impressive. At the same time, Avercamp was inclined to include anecdotes that challenge the ideas of religious fervor in this period of history. For example, in the art piece titled “Winter Landscape with Skaters,” you have a couple making love and other interesting anecdotes.

Turning back to Utsumi, this artist focuses on the original art piece titled “Winter Scene on a Canal” and then alters it dramatically based on the color scheme and other areas. This notably applies to the rapid reduction of people and houses that seem more magical. Therefore, as usual, Utsumi creates a delightful art piece called “The Illumination of Avercamp through the Prism of Japanese Eyes.”

On the Rijks Museum website, it stipulates, “Avercamp had originally been taught in Amsterdam by Pieter Isacksz, and specialized in winter landscapes. He adopted the Flemish tradition, which was continued in Amsterdam by Gilles van Coninxloo and Pieter Vinckboons. Avercamp’s early landscapes have a clear narrative in style, often containing risqué anecdotes. Later, his work acquired a more atmospheric quality.”

Over the last year, Utsumi is increasingly focused on oil paintings and this is clearly creating a greater level of creativity, passion, and generating a delightful angle to her art. Equally, the subject matter influenced heavily by Lee Jay Walker, is very unique. Hence, subject matters including Buddhism, Dutch art from the seventeenth century, the Kano School, Northern England, and Shintoism is extremely unique and based on the magical fusion of an amazing artist who continues to grow and develop – along with the creative ideas of her non-artistic mentor.

Written by Lee Jay Walker

https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/rijksstudio/artists/hendrick-avercamp

Please email Sawako Utsumi at sawakoart@gmail.com

BELOW IS A NEW BOOK BASED ON THE ART OF SAWAKO UTSUMI

Book Review: Sawako Utsumi and her Kindred Spirit

European and Japanese Art: Buddhism, Christianity, Landscapes, Rinpa, Shintoism, Ukiyo-e, and Dutch Masters

http://www.lulu.com/shop/lee-jay-walker/sawako-utsumi-and-her-kindred-spirit/paperback/product-22830732.html – Please click on to order the book.

http://sawakoart.com – Sawako Utsumi personal website

http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/sawako-utsumi.html – Sawako Utsumi and where you can buy her art, postcards, bags, and other products. Also, individuals can contact her for individual requests.

https://fineartamerica.com/featured/japanese-artistic-touch-to-esaias-van-der-velde-sawako-utsumi.html

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/japanese-artistic-light-of-esaias-van-de-velde-sawako-utsumi.html

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/japanese-reflection-of-esaias-van-de-velde-sawako-utsumi.html

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/esaias-van-de-velde-in-japanese-light-sawako-utsumi.html

Japan art and the paths of Shintoism and Buddhism: Holy men in the snow without Abraham

April 18, 2018February 14, 2019Posted in Buddhism, Japanese Art, Japanese culture, Landscapes, Nature, ShintoismTagged Art of Japanese Buddhism, Art of Japanese landscapes, Art of Japanese Shintoism, Buddhist and Shinto art, Buddhist art, Contemporary Japanese art, Contemporary Japanese artist, Japanese art and culture, Japanese Buddhist and Shinto art, Japanese Buddhist art, Japanese landscapes, Lee Jay Walker, Modern Japanese Art, Persecution of Buddhism, Persecution of Shintoism, Sawako Utsumi, Sendai artist, Shinto art, Tokyo artist, Utsumi SawakoLeave a comment

Japan art and the paths of Shintoism and Buddhism: Holy men in the snow without Abraham

In the second part of Sawako Utsumi’s art that focuses on Buddhist and Shinto holy men in the snow, the contemporary Japanese artist once more works a treat. Of course, the art itself provides a lovely backdrop into the interrelationship between Buddhism and Shintoism that seems to flow naturally. Equally, the nuance of simplicity belies the shocking truth of how Buddhism was erased despite the mountains of Afghanistan and in other parts of the world.

Hence, the twin forces of religious imperialism and domination by the respective faiths of Christianity and Islam bypassed Japan based on geography. Yes, Christianity did begin to grow in the later stages of the sixteenth century and early seventeenth century. However, the Tokugawa Period would soon oppress the Christian faith at all costs before the onset of yet another Abrahamic takeover.

Utsumi, while creating an adorable landscape that fuses nature and faith, is also alluding to the gentleness of the terrain despite the harsh winter conditions. Yet, the bigger picture equates to how Japan was luckily isolated from the enslaving and imperialistic forces of Christianity and Islam. Indeed, the natural scene of a Shinto shrine and Buddhist temple in the mountain landscape contrasts with the narrow-mindlessness of Abrahamic faiths that seek certainty in a world based on chaos.

The two art pieces titled “Art of Buddhism and Shintoism and Two Paths in the Snow” and “Art of Japan and the Two Paths of Shintoism and Buddhism: Holy Men in the Snow without Abraham,” alludes to the interwoven faiths of Buddhism and Shintoism that naturally share the same space in Japan. This natural flow of Buddhism and other non-Abrahamic faiths equally flowed in Afghanistan prior to the onset of Islam. However, now the Buddhist component of civilization in Afghanistan is nothing more than a memory. Instead, apostates from Islam face prison or death in 2018 in Sharia inclined nations based on no internal reformation unlike much of the Christian influenced world.

In the other art piece related to the same theme, I comment, “Of course, the bigger picture relates to the crushing of Buddhism in history and the ongoing struggle of this faith in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Ladakh, Rakhine, Tibet, and other parts of the world, where Buddhism is threatened. Equally disturbing, even the historical legacy of Buddhism is being erased by Sunni Islamist forces in Afghanistan and further afield. Likewise, many Traditional Beliefs are still under threat from Christianity and Islam respectively – from small tribes in Brazil to tribes in Indonesia. Therefore, the beacon of the indigenous faith of Shintoism still shines brightly and this says much for Buddhism that did not seek to devour the indigenous faith – unlike the historical reality of Christian and Muslim forces throughout history that erased the past.”

Overall, the singular dimension is another adorable landscape by this contemporary Japanese artist that also fills the viewer with natural delight. Likewise, people can connect with aspects of Japanese culture and faith. However, the greater nuance applies to a land that wasn’t conquered by the faiths of Abraham. Therefore, the natural landscape and the interwoven angle of Buddhism and Shintoism relates to continuity and an inner peace based on escaping the excesses of Abrahamic faiths.

Written by Lee Jay Walker

Please email Sawako Utsumi at sawakoart@gmail.com

BELOW IS AN ART BOOK BASED ON THE ART OF SAWAKO UTSUMI

Book Review: Sawako Utsumi and her Kindred Spirit

European and Japanese Art: Buddhism, Christianity, Landscapes, Rinpa, Shintoism, Ukiyo-e, and Dutch Masters

http://www.lulu.com/shop/lee-jay-walker/sawako-utsumi-and-her-kindred-spirit/paperback/product-22830732.html – Please click on to order the book.

https://fineartamerica.com/featured/art-of-japan-and-the-two-paths-of-shintoism-and-buddhism-holy-men-in-the-snow-without-abraham-sawako-utsumi.html Art of Japan and the Two Paths of Shintoism and Buddhism: Holy Men in the Snow without Abraham

https://fineartamerica.com/featured/art-of-buddhism-and-shintoism-and-two-paths-in-the-snow-sawako-utsumi.html Art of Buddhism and Shintoism and Two Paths in the Snow

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/exiled-buddhist-cleric-nichiren-in-the-snow-sawako-utsumi.html – Exiled Buddhist Cleric Nichiren in the Snow

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/buddhist-cleric-nichiren-in-exile-and-homage-to-yoshitoshi-sawako-utsumi.html Buddhist Cleric Nichiren in Exile and Homage to Yoshitoshi

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/buddhist-cleric-nichiren-and-bleak-winter-in-exile-sawako-utsumi.html Buddhist Cleric Nichiren and Bleak Winter in Exile

http://sawakoart.com

Contemporary Japanese Artist and Shintoism: Kano School and Independent Spirit of Sawako Utsumi

May 30, 2017February 14, 2019Posted in Japanese Art, Japanese culture, Landscapes, Nature, ShintoismTagged Art of Edo peridod, Art of Japan, Art of Kano Chikanobu, Art of Shinto, Art of Shintoism, Chikanobu art, Contemporary Japan art, Contemporary Japanese artist, Edo art, Edo period art, Folk Shinto and art, Japan art, Japanese art, Kano Chikanobu, Kano Chikanobu art, Kano Motonobu, Lee Jay Walker, Modern Japanese artist, Modern Tokyo News, Modern Tokyo Times, Sawako Utsumi, Sendai artist, Shinto art, Shinto culture and art, Shintoism and art, Tokyo artist, Tokyo news, Utsumi SawakoLeave a comment

Contemporary Japanese Artist and Shintoism: Kano School and Independent Spirit of Sawako Utsumi

Sawako Utsumi is a contemporary Japanese artist who hails from the land of the rising sun. In this art article, the emphasis is on the individualism of Utsumi who is paying utmost respect to two artists belonging to the Kano School of Art. Despite the respect being shown to Kano Motonobu (1476-1559) and Kano Chikanobu (1660-1728), it is abundantly clear that the independent spirit – and unique angle of Utsumi – creates a new approach.

The art pieces by Utsumi are titled In the Shadow of the Past: Utsumi and the Kano School and The Fading Spirit of Kano Chikanobu Awakened by Shintoism. Indeed, the Shinto angle by Utsumi is extremely significant because Buddhism during this period of Japanese history was dominant in major centers of power. Of course, Buddhism and Shintoism – and the powerful impact of Confucianism – flowed naturally either individually, based on fusions, interacted in various spheres of society, and so forth. Similarly, other ideas entered Japan from the Middle Kingdom (China), for example, Daoism.

Yet, for Utsumi, she is turning back to a different time period, whereby the Shinto faith solely guided the people of Japan before external faiths and philosophies impacted. At the same time, the color scheme and religious dominance of the Shinto shrine in both art pieces by Utusmi alter the role of the village depicted by Chikanobu – while moving further away from Motonobu.

I comment in a past article, in respect to homage being shown to Chikanobu, that “The title is a reminder that in time all artists and famous people fade into dwindling influence culturally and scientifically, irrespective of the name. Yes, famous artists, philosophers, scientists, and so forth, remain well known but scratch under the surface and most are known superficially apart from specialists. However, holy religious people including Abraham, the Buddha, Jesus, Lord Ram, St. Paul, Mohammed, and many others from faiths already mentioned or from other faiths including Sikhism, remain potent just like they were born yesterday. Hence, Shintoism awakens the fading spirit of Chikanobu because the Shinto faith will continue to be culturally and religiously significant to Japan until the end of time, even if shadows encroach.”

Interestingly, Motonobu belongs to the pre-Edo period of Japan, while Chikanobu was born during the Edo period. Hence, the continuity of the Kano School of Art was maintained based on interaction and opening up to new artistic concepts, irrespective of how minor or major.

Overall, Utsumi is turning the clock back in order to return to a time when the Shinto faith guided in a very limited sense. In the eyes of Utsumi, Folk Shintoism responds to the natural environment in a special way. This is further enhanced by regional Shinto influences that differ throughout this land.

Lee Jay Walker

Please email Sawako Utsumi at sawakoart@gmail.com

https://fineartamerica.com/featured/the-fading-spirit-of-chikanobu-awakened-by-shintoism-sawako-utsumi.html

https://fineartamerica.com/featured/modern-japanese-art-in-the-shadow-of-the-past-utsumi-and-kano-school-sawako-utsumi.html

BELOW IS A NEW BOOK BASED ON THE ART OF SAWAKO UTSUMI

Book Review: Sawako Utsumi and her Kindred Spirit

European and Japanese Art: Buddhism, Christianity, Landscapes, Rinpa, Shintoism, Ukiyo-e, and Dutch Masters

http://www.lulu.com/shop/lee-jay-walker/sawako-utsumi-and-her-kindred-spirit/paperback/product-22830732.html – Please click on to order the book.

http://sawakoart.com

Contemporary Japanese Artist: The Fading Spirit of Kano Chikanobu Awakened by Shintoism

April 15, 2017February 14, 2019Posted in Japanese Art, Japanese culture, Landscapes, Nature, ShintoismTagged Art of Edo peridod, Art of Japan, Art of Kano Chikanobu, Art of Shinto, Art of Shintoism, Chikanobu art, Contemporary Japan art, Contemporary Japanese artist, Edo art, Edo period art, Japan art, Japanese art, Kano Chikanobu, Kano Chikanobu art, Lee Jay Walker, Modern Japanese artist, Modern Tokyo News, Modern Tokyo Times, Sawako Utsumi, Sendai artist, Shinto art, Shintoism and art, Tokyo artist, Tokyo news, Utsumi SawakoLeave a comment

Contemporary Japanese Artist: The Fading Spirit of Kano Chikanobu Awakened by Shintoism

The contemporary Japanese artist Sawako Utsumi in her latest art piece titled The Fading Spirit of Kano Chikanobu Awakened by Shintoism, provides an adorable individual approach. This applies to a fusion of homage to Kano Chikanobu (1660-1728) along with a spark of individualism that takes you away from the original and then back again.

Another delightful approach by Utsumi applies to the Shinto angle. Indeed, while the impact of Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, and Shintoism was more powerful during the lifetime of Chikanobu (original art piece below), the contemporary artist focuses on the religious angle within her art piece. Of course, for Utsumi, the significance belongs to the indigenous faith of Shintoism that continues to endure in modern Japan, even if sometimes in the shadows.

The title is a reminder that in time all artists and famous people fade into dwindling influence culturally and scientifically, irrespective of the name. Yes, famous artists, philosophers, scientists, and so forth, remain well known but scratch under the surface and most are known superficially apart from specialists. However, holy religious people including Abraham, the Buddha, Jesus, Lord Ram, St. Paul, Mohammed, and many others from faiths already mentioned or from other faiths including Sikhism, remain potent just like they were born yesterday. Hence, Shintoism awakens the fading spirit of Chikanobu because the Shinto faith will continue to be culturally and religiously significant to Japan until the end of time, even if shadows encroach.

Chikanobu lived during the early Edo period and while Japan was mainly isolated – but not completely – the flows of the past continued. In other words, Chinese and Japanese classics impacted greatly on the famous Kano School of Art.

Utsumi herself plays on this but in the opposite direction because she is returning to the past. Therefore, while modern Japan is awash with modern technology, the reality of animation, communication via social media, skyscrapers, the impact of different cultures including America, and other realities, Utsumi binds her homage to the traditions of Shintoism. Equally important, Utsumi does this based on the distant approach taken by Shintoism, whereby nature and a subtle reality are more important than open proselytism or a rich theocratic dogma that belongs to other international faiths.

Lee Jay Walker

Please email Sawako Utsumi at sawakoart@gmail.com

https://fineartamerica.com/featured/the-fading-spirit-of-chikanobu-awakened-by-shintoism-sawako-utsumi.html

BELOW IS A NEW BOOK BASED ON THE ART OF SAWAKO UTSUMI

Book Review: Sawako Utsumi and her Kindred Spirit

European and Japanese Art: Buddhism, Christianity, Landscapes, Rinpa, Shintoism, Ukiyo-e, and Dutch Masters

http://www.lulu.com/shop/lee-jay-walker/sawako-utsumi-and-her-kindred-spirit/paperback/product-22830732.html – Please click on to order the book.

http://sawakoart.com

Japanese Artist and Landscapes of Manchester: Blackley Forest, Heaton Park, and River Irk

March 23, 2017February 14, 2019Posted in British culture, English culture, Landscapes, Manchester Art, NatureTagged Art of Blackley Forest, Art of Heaton Park, Art of Manchester, Art of River Irk, Blackley art, Blackley Forest and art, Contemporary Japanese art, English landscapes, http://moderntokyotimes.com, http://sawakoart.com, http://www.blackleyforest.com/, Japanese art, L.S. Lowry art and Japan, Laburnum tree art, Landscapes of England, Lee Jay Walker, Manchester art and nature, Modern Tokyo News, Modern Tokyo Times, Natural beauty of Blackley Forest, River Irk art, Sendai art, Sendai artist, Tokyo Art, Tokyo artist, Tokyo news, Utsumi SawakoLeave a comment

Japanese Artist and Landscapes of Manchester: Blackley Forest, Heaton Park, and River Irk

The contemporary Japanese artist, Sawako Utsumi, fuses the art world of Japan and Europe based on an array of areas. For example, from the inspiration of traditional Dutch art to the cityscapes of Paris. Similarly, her Japanese art focuses on angles related to Buddhism, Shintoism, and old art forms. At the same time, Utsumi adores the landscapes of the High Peak area and Peak District in general; in relation to the stunning county of Derbyshire and the beautiful Christian churches that dot the landscape. However, in this article, the emphasis is on Heaton Park and the hidden gem of Blackley Forest in Manchester.

Ironically, while these two art pieces focus on the natural landscapes of Manchester, Utsumi also adores L.S. Lowry (Lowry inspired art piece below by Utsumi) with his connection to Salford and Manchester respectively. In stark contrast to L.S. Lowry, who especially focused on scenes related to the Industrial Revolution and ordinary working-class lifestyles, Utsumi focuses on the angle of nature in relation to her landscapes of Manchester.

In her latest oil painting, titled the Hidden Gem of Blackley Forest in Manchester, the adorable natural landscape comes alive. Indeed, the other art piece, titled Laburnum Tree in Splendid Isolation, is also based in the same part of north Manchester. However, despite Blackley Forest and Heaton Park sharing the same environment and being within a few minutes walking distance, it is true to say that Blackley Forest is a genuine “Hidden Gem.” After all, you rarely see many people relaxing in this less known part of Manchester despite Blackley Forest being extremely beautiful and blessed with a rich natural habitat for animals, birds, various species of trees, and plants. Also, Utsumi focuses on the natural beauty of the River Irk that flows into the River Irwell in central Manchester.

The art piece by Utsumi shows Blackley Forest in all its natural beauty. This applies to the delightful landscape and the mellow walk by the River Irk. Hence, the natural flow of the River Irk blends beautifully with trees, flowers, and plants, depicted by Utsumi in her latest art piece.

In a past article, I state, “The other art piece, Laburnum Tree in Splendid Isolation, highlights the natural beauty of nature. Indeed, for individuals who adore the laburnum tree, then while the original art piece is located in northwest England, the tree itself could be in various parts of this nation. Immediately, the adorable laburnum tree hits the individual because people who love this species will have vivid memories.”

Overall, this contemporary Japanese artist continues to blossom because of the array of angles to her art. Therefore, her latest art piece illuminates the stunning beauty of Blackley Forest in Manchester.

Lee Jay Walker

Please email Sawako Utsumi at sawakoart@gmail.com

http://www.blackleyforest.com/

BELOW IS A NEW BOOK BASED ON THE ART OF SAWAKO UTSUMI

Book Review: Sawako Utsumi and her Kindred Spirit

European and Japanese Art: Buddhism, Christianity, Landscapes, Rinpa, Shintoism, Ukiyo-e, and Dutch Masters

http://www.lulu.com/shop/lee-jay-walker/sawako-utsumi-and-her-kindred-spirit/paperback/product-22830732.html – Please click on to order the book.

https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/sawako-utsumi.html Sawako Utsumi and where you can buy her art, postcards, bags, and other products. Also, individuals can contact her for individual requests.

https://fineartamerica.com/featured/hidden-gem-of-blackley-forest-in-manchester-sawako-utsumi.html Hidden Gem of Blackley Forest by Sawako Utsumi

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/laburnum-tree-in-splendid-isolation-sawako-utsumi.html Laburnum Tree in Splendid Isolation by Sawako Utsumi

http://sawakoart.com Sawako Utsumi and articles related to her art.

Japan Artist and Nichiren the Buddhist Preacher: Trilogy of Exile in the Snow on Sado Island

December 13, 2016Posted in Buddhism, Japanese Art, Japanese culture, Landscapes, NatureTagged Art of Buddhism and Nichiren, Art of exile, Art of modern Japan, Art of Nichiren, Art of Sado Island, Art of snow and exile, Buddhism in Japan and art, Buddhist art in Japan, Contemporary Japanese artist, Japan and Buddhist art, Japan news, Lee Jay Walker, Modern Sendai artist, Modern Tokyo artist, Nichiren in art, Sado Island art, Sawako Utsumi, Sendai artist, Tokyo artist, Tokyo news, Tokyo news and art, Utsumi SawakoLeave a comment

Japan Artist and Nichiren the Buddhist Preacher: Trilogy of Exile in the Snow on Sado Island

Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

Nichiren (1222-1282) is one of the most famous Buddhist teachers to emanate from Japan. Yet, he was very outspoken during his lifetime and this led him to be exiled and embroiled in the political processes of his day – irrespective if intended or unintended. Therefore, the contemporary Japanese artist Sawako Utsumi focuses on a trilogy of Nichiren during his exile on Sado Island.

The wintry theme of the trilogy is meant to endorse the harshness of Nichiren’s exile. Despite this, it is clear that the first art piece is based on serenity and peaceful contemplation. Intriguingly, the second art piece focuses on the start of his bleak journey but solace can be seen in the background based on prior human contact. However, the third art piece depicts Nichiren against the harsh and bleak wintry conditions of Sado Island, whereby his exile looks treacherous.

Yet, if you go back to the first art piece titled Buddhist Cleric Nichiren in Exile and Homage to Yoshitoshi, then clearly Nichiren is at peace in the mountains. Hence, the second art piece titled Exiled Buddhist Cleric Nichiren in the Snow and the third art piece of the trilogy titled Buddhist Cleric Nichiren and Bleak Winter in Exile, are actually in the wrong order. This is based on Utsumi focusing on reality and unreality alongside the actualities of life itself. After all, often moving forward becomes firmly based on taking a backward step because the smaller things in life are now being negated based on greater ambitions. Indeed, many a politician, for example, succumbed to power and wealth – similarly, many families and friends become torn apart – or soon to be mere shadows – based on the natural causes and effects of capitalism, modernity, new relationships, and so forth.

Turning back to Nichiren, then I state in a past article that, “Nichiren, himself, was very independent because he believed firmly that the true path lay within his teachings based on his knowledge of the written word. This holy Buddhist cleric made many enemies based on rebuking other Buddhist schools of thought. Yet, passion, the search for truth, questioning concepts deemed false, challenging authority, equally adhered people to Nichiren.”

The Buddhist teacher Nichiren said, “Worthy persons deserve to be called so because they are not carried away by the eight winds: prosperity, decline, disgrace, honor, praise, censure, suffering, and pleasure. They are neither elated by prosperity nor grieved by decline. The heavenly gods will surely protect one who is unbending before the eight winds.”

In the trilogy by Utsumi, her focus is on “the seen” and “unseen.” Likewise, the time of life is not based on natural phenomenon but the spirituality of Nichiren. Hence, the timeline is incorrect because like wisdom, knowledge, virtue, and other noble ideas, then these can come and flow from all individuals at such a short notice. In other words, many a bad person did good things – and many a good person did evil, and so forth. Therefore, moments in time, perceptions, cultural aspects to individuals, and other important areas, are really illusionary based on the multi-dimensions of this world.

Overall, Utsumi, in her trilogy of Nichiren and his exile on the beautiful island of Sado Island, is based on a complex approach to what is deemed to be the reality of life. Also, and especially powerful, even when a person is abandoned it doesn’t mean that weakness and decline will follow. Therefore, the wintry theme and the trilogy of her art pieces are focused on many dimensions that will have different meanings to the respective viewer of her art.

Lee Jay Walker

BELOW IS A NEW BOOK BASED ON THE ART OF SAWAKO UTSUMI

Book Review: Sawako Utsumi and her Kindred Spirit

European and Japanese Art: Buddhism, Christianity, Landscapes, Rinpa, Shintoism, Ukiyo-e, and Dutch Masters

http://www.lulu.com/shop/lee-jay-walker/sawako-utsumi-and-her-kindred-spirit/paperback/product-22830732.html – Please click on to order the book.

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/exiled-buddhist-cleric-nichiren-in-the-snow-sawako-utsumi.html – Exiled Buddhist Cleric Nichiren in the Snow

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/buddhist-cleric-nichiren-in-exile-and-homage-to-yoshitoshi-sawako-utsumi.html Buddhist Cleric Nichiren in Exile and Homage to Yoshitoshi

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/buddhist-cleric-nichiren-and-bleak-winter-in-exile-sawako-utsumi.html Buddhist Cleric Nichiren and Bleak Winter in Exile

http://sawakoart.com