Empire Seven Studios Launches International Artist in Residence Program (IARP) with Japanese Artists Haz Calligraphy and Tomomi Ito
Empire Seven Studios recently launched its International Artist in Residence Program in collaboration with Exhibit Jtown Apartments. Since the inception of our new home, we have intended to create and construct partnerships through programming, inherently adapting connections we have made with artists from every corner of the world. These relationships have been formed and nurtured through our work both as an art gallery and mural producers for over a decade.
Haz Calligraphy and Tomomi Ito (aka Tomo), both Japanese artists based in Tokyo, visited San Jose after a strong bond and connection was established many years ago. Last winter, while Juan Carlos Araujo was traveling through Japan, the trio reconnected. What started as an idea for calligraphy merchandise designs resulted in these two amazing artists sharing their culture and paying homage to the global connections we all share as human beings on this planet. No matter where we live, our universe wants to unify us as people.
Rifū Hazu, born in Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, started doing calligraphy at the age of four. While studying in Los Angeles, she discovered the allure of Japanese culture in America, sparking her aspiration to become a calligrapher. Since then, she has refined her skills, showcasing her works in exhibitions worldwide and creating corporate logos and calligraphy gifts. Her pieces are characterized by strong, yet soft lines. Striving to make calligraphy more accessible not only to Japanese but also to people from around the world, she has branded her work as "HAZ Calligraphy," drawing inspiration from her surname, "HAZU."
Tomo, an agency art director and graphic designer, has collaborated on projects for major companies in Japan and abroad. Inspired by traditional Japanese festivals since childhood, her art, showcased with Rifū in San Jose, reflects her passion for Japanese culture.
Rifū and Tomo performed a memorable ceremonial experience for a small audience at Exhibit Jtown, one that has been passed down for generations. The emotional performance, which evoked harmony, wisdom, beauty, and zen, left the audience in awe. The artists painted two canvases in real time with the accompanying sounds of Taiko, performed by Roy & PJ Hirabayashi, founders of San Jose Taiko. Taiko set the mood for every motion, as if it was a musical score to a film. There was no time for rehearsals and if you were present you would think this was all premeditated with how in unison and synced Rifū’s sweeping, flowing brush strokes spanned across the canvas to the music. The Japanese instruments Wadaiko (drum), Shakuhachi (flute), and meditation chimes balanced her body, hyperextending with every spontaneous motion.
Each paint stroke was a sacred moment with her Futofude, a thicker traditional calligraphy brush. A real rogue artist, Rifū used a wooden rice bowl Sushi Oke as her paint palette.
Tomo painted an arrangement of cherry blossoms in Ikebana style, an ancient, traditional Japanese painting style, calling to spirits and honoring the art of refinement, adding flowers known as Yoshino to call on the gods. The Yorishiro ceremony, like many of our Native cultures represented in San Jose, share similar connections to mother earth, mountains, rain, wind, and animals that regenerate our souls through spiritual power. Tomo, who is involved with festivals back home in Japan, practices her heritage beyond painting, as she jumped in and performed Taiko improvising with Rifū, Roy & PJ.
The experience of witnessing artists collaborate so organically truly embodies the artistry of improvisation. Art forms with sacred intentions meant to heal and inspire can only leave the viewer with a lasting impression and recognition of how important ancient cultures and teachings can give us hope outside of the contemporary present. Rifū & Tomo’s captivating performance set the bar for the future of the International Artist in Residence program (IARP) at Empire Seven Studios.
Rifū also created several Kanji designs that will launch in Summer 2024 during Japantown’s Obon Festival. Definitely keep an eye out for this capsule release that will honor San Jose and the Japantown neighborhood. Tomo helped design our new Toro lanterns that hang outside our Gallery with custom Kani lettering scripture reading “Geido,” “The Way of Art,” “Path of Art,” and “Art of Life.” Stop by and take a photo with these beautiful pieces painted by a long-time Calligraphy Master based in Tokyo for the past hundred years.
Lodging for the residency program was provided by Exhibit Jtown Apartments. The canvases will be on display throughout the apartment complex, located at 525 N. Seventh St., for residents and visitors to enjoy.