Japanese artist Hiroshi Wada is a calligraphy painter. Wada studied the ancient tradition of “shodo”—brush and ink drawing on rice paper— with a great master of this art form. While his art retains the spontaneity and playfulness of a child’s drawing, in fact it takes years of apprenticeship to achieve their effortless look. Wada’s aim, however, is not the traditional “sho.” The artist believes in the importance of modernizing this conventional practice. He aspires to create calligraphy that is modern, even avant-garde, yet still rooted in tradition. When he writes characters, he forgets what he has learned and starts with a “clean slate”, drawing like a child. For Wada, calligraphy is a way to bring joy and playfulness to others.

Wada believes that while life’s hurdles may range from personal failures to cataclysmic disasters, art has the capacity to empower, heal, and create peace. Wada’s background as a track-and-field athlete reflects in the explosive energy and near-physical intensity to his gestural compositions.

Hiroshi Wada: The First New York Solo Exhibition opens at May 11, 2019 and will be on display until May 31, 2019, with an opening reception on Thursday, May 16, 6-8 PM. All are welcome to attend. Entrance to the gallery is free.

Exhibition Dates: May 11 – May 31, 2019

Reception: Thursday, May 16, 2019 6-8 PM

Gallery Hours: Tues-Sat 11:00am – 6:00pm

Gallery Location: 530 West 25th Street, New York, NY

Event URL: https://www.agora-gallery.com/ExhibitionAnnouncement/Hiroshi_5_11_2019.aspx

About Agora Gallery

Agora Gallery is a contemporary fine art gallery located in the heart of Chelsea’s fine art district in New York. Established in 1984, Agora Gallery specializes in connecting art dealers and collectors with national and international artists. The art gallery’s expert consultants are available to assist corporate and private clients in procuring original artwork to meet their organization’s specific needs and budget requirements. With a strong online presence and popular online gallery, ARTmine, coupled with the spacious and elegant physical gallery space, the work of our talented artists, who work in diverse media and styles, can receive the attention it deserves. Over the years Agora Gallery has sponsored and catered to special events aimed at fostering social awareness and promoting the use of art to help those in need.