Artist Statement
My work spans a wide range, from realism to abstraction, and draws inspiration from the interplay of ink, water, and brush. It is influenced by the Zen and Shinto concept of "天地同根" (tenchidoukon), which means "everything in the earth, heaven, and the universe is connected to the same root." This concept shares similarities with the Native American idea of "All is One."
As I create, I reflect on the mysteries of life, the connection between humans and nature, and the unity of the cosmos and existence, as well as shared memories and dreams that transcend generations and space-time. I focus on the transformations that occur on paper as ink and water blend, capturing the imagined colors and forms with a brush. In this process, I am also inspired by the sensations of weight and pressure conveyed through the brush, which helps bring my work to life.
BIO
Fumiyo Yoshikawa majored in Japanese painting at Kyoto University of Education. While still a student, she was selected for numerous public exhibitions, beginning with the 1984 Kyoto City Art Exhibition. After graduating, she joined Seitosha, a school in the Shijo Maruyama tradition, where she studied under Okamura Rinko, Ikeda Yoson, and Ikeda Michio, further honing her skills in Japanese painting. Her works have been exhibited in art museums and prestigious galleries across Japan.
She developed a deep interest in the commonalities between Japan's ancient Jomon civilization and ancient American civilizations. This led her to study the Maya civilization and later Central American cultures, particularly in Guatemala, where she held solo exhibitions and broadened her understanding of art and culture from around the world.
Since relocating to the United States in 2004, she has held numerous exhibitions across the country. She has also introduced Japanese brush painting , sumi-e and nihonga through classes and workshops at various art museums, universities, and other cultural institutions.