SPACE 2 : HISAKO TSUCHIYA

Exhibition dates. 18 March - 30 March 2025
Opening Reception : Wed 19 March 2025, 6:00 - 8:30 pm

First Sign of Light： 兆し
Calligraphy exhibition by Hisako Tsuchiya

The artworks exhibited here were created by Hisako Tsuchiya over a period of more than 30 years. She began calligraphy when she was 50, like the Japanese proverb says, “What! you’re starting something new at 50” During this period she also spent sixteen years caring for her eldest son, who suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and passed away in 2022.

Interwoven with joy and sorrow, these works trace her life. Using both traditional and contemporary calligraphy Hisako expresses her personal journey through creative resilience.

The exhibition includes a variety of works, ranging from classic scroll calligraphy styles dating back to the 8th century to modern interpretations, as well as expressive pieces inspired by her daily life and reflections on social phenomena.

Hisako’s calligraphy was previously exhibited in Kyoto and Tokyo between 1988 and 2023 as part of an annual group exhibition. During these years  Hisako studied exclusively under the groundbreaking calligraphy master Kyuyo Ishikawa

Hisako Tsuchiya

Born in Gero, Gifu Prefecture, Hisako graduated from Waseda University with a degree in English literature. Now 87 years old, she resides in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture. While raising three children, she worked part-time as an English and Japanese teacher. In the 1960s, she became involved in the organic farming movement, advocating for fresh pesticide-free food.

She began practicing calligraphy when her youngest child started junior high school, studying under the pioneering master Kyuku. For over 30 years, she exhibited her works annually in group exhibitions held by his calligraphy juku-school, which she recently left.Sixteen of these years overlapped with the time she spent caring for her eldest son, who suffered a cerebral hemorrhage at 42. Her husband, a key source of support, passed away in 2020, followed by her son in 2022. Since then, she has held solo exhibitions in Takarazuka (2023), Kamiyama(Tokushima), and Tokyo (2024).

She is the mother of Melbourne-based dancer Yumi Umiumare and Tokyo-based sumi-e painter Shukou Tsuchiya.

SPECIAL PERFROMANCE

21(Fri) and 28 (Fri) March 7pm
Hisako Tsuchiya (Live calligraphy)
Yumi Umiumare(Dance)
Dan West (Music) 

$20

Taking bookings now !!

info@solgallery.com.au