Written by ART Driven Tokyo
An exhibition focusing on calligraphy as contemporary art, Topography of Calligraphy, will be held at YUGEN Gallery (Minami-Aoyama) from April 25, 2025. The exhibition features four participating artists: Hisashi Yamamoto, AKIKO, Kazumi Okamoto, and Gakushū Tanaka. Each explores the intersection of “symbol” and “landscape” through unique approaches.
Hisashi Yamamoto to Unveil New Works — Transcending and Exploding Calligraphy
A highlight of the exhibition is Hisashi Yamamoto’s Waterfalls series. Based on unpublished sketches, these new works were created specifically for this exhibition. The brushstrokes cascade like waterfalls, intertwining rhythm and structure to captivate the viewer’s gaze.
AKIKO employs onomatopoeia to depict anonymous inner landscapes through symbols. Kazumi Okamoto treats calligraphy as “a method to give form to sound,” delicately capturing traces of memory and presence. Gakushū Tanaka, with a background in architecture, reconstructs calligraphy as drawing—where the precision of architectural plans coexists with organic brushwork.
A talk event will be held on May 10, featuring art critic Minoru Shimizu as a guest speaker. Together with Hisashi Yamamoto, they will discuss the relationship between calligraphy and contemporary art.
Standing between “reading” and “viewing,” this exhibition invites you to experience a topography of calligraphy—where thought and sensibility intersect. Admission is free.
Exhibition Overview
Title: Topography of Calligraphy
Participating Artists
Hisashi Yamamoto
Gakushū Tanaka
AKIKO
Kazumi Okamoto
Venue
YUGEN Gallery
4F KD Minami-Aoyama Building, 3-1-31 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Dates
April 25 (Fri) – May 12 (Mon), 2025
Opening Hours
Weekdays: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Weekends and Holidays: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Closes at 5:00 PM on the final day only
Closed
Open every day during the exhibition
Related Events
① Opening Reception
Date: April 26 (Sat), 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
② Artist Talk
Date: May 10 (Sat), 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Speakers: Hisashi Yamamoto (exhibiting artist), Minoru Shimizu (art critic)
Admission
Free
Support
Yumiko Chiba Associates
