Kawaguchi Yuho and Kawaguchi Seiren, a Japanese calligrapher couple, who visited Oman as part of the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Oman, left behind a few indelible marks of cultural camaraderie

The writing was on the floor… The message came forth loud and clear… And those present were able to catch the ‘En’ – the energy which not just entrapped and enthralled the audience but also created a lasting ‘connection’!

When Kawaguchi Yuho and Kawaguchi Seiren, a Japanese calligrapher couple, came to Oman a week ago to demonstrate the art of Japanese calligraphy, they had no clue how viewers would respond to their skill. But after several bouts of sharing their mastery with swirls of black ink over immaculate canvases laid out before intrigued audiences, they established a unique connection (En – in Japanese) with people in Oman.

The calligraphy duo displayed their dexterous strokes with black paint at an exhibition titled ‘En’, held over the past week with the support of the Embassy of Japan at the Omani Society for Fine Arts, Ghala. The exhibition concluded yesterday as scores of visitors took delight as well as inspiration from the masters of Japanese calligraphy who demonstrated not just their own versatility as calligraphers but also the diverse applications of this art form.

The exhibition also displayed works by Belgian visual artist, Ingrid Van Heyden who showcased the collaboration of Japanese and western arts to explore new artistic possibilities, by combining calligraphic imagery and techniques of contemporary art.

Art Talk

The calligraphers added a silver lining to their visit by delivering an ‘Art Talk’ at Matti Sirvio Art Galleria, in Jawharat al Shatti, Qurm, wherein they shared the intricacies of Japanese calligraphy to a turnout of artists and art lovers who were left spellbound with their sharing.

There was so much to talk about – feelings and thoughts expressed in compositions; the power of the seemingly empty space between objects, symbols, unknown ancient characters, visual talkaholism.

“Even our own people cannot read our works,” exclaimed Seiren Kawaguchi while sharing the finer aspects of Japanese calligraphy wherein the experience consists of learning the history of this unique art before being guided through the techniques involved. The skill lies in effectively using this ancient art form to convey contemporary concepts in a way that people are able to relate with it easily, she said.

Artists who attended the meet came face to face with this new power of calligraphy which is also prevalent in many intricate forms in the Arab world and is a vital part of Islamic culture. What could be clearly seen through the demonstrations by the Japanese calligraphers was how complex concepts and emotions could be conveyed with much simplicity, they said.

Mohammed al Attar, an Omani artist who attended the talk, said, “Every brush stroke and every character seemed to tell a story. The whole process of creating an artwork is a journey – I find that every part of the journey is important, from the moment it starts circulating in the mind, till it touches a surface and until it is completed and presented to viewers. The art scene in Oman it is still growing, and so, having presentations by international artists from different cultural backgrounds is very enriching and inspiring.”

Matti, who hosted the talk for the benefit of artists who frequently participate in his joint exhibitions, said, “It was interesting to hear artists, whose English is a bit limited, express their inner feelings. I feel, just 3 per cent of their message comes through verbally. It’s obvious that the only way to hear them is to spend time in front of their artwork, without a watch, without a phone. I hope, art will come back and motivate people to jump out of the digital hurricane.”