Even among Japanese who do not know his name, if I show his artworks, masterpieces, they would immediately recognize his artworks. He introduced Western style water painting skills into traditional Japanese method.
He was awarded so many times including the award directly from Japanese Emperor in his life time. It was not usual for Japanese painters. In 1967, age 82, he orchestrated repairing fire lost Buddhism National Treasure Paintings and Arts in Horyu-ji Temple, which is the oldest Japanese Buddhism Temples, and World Heritage.
In his later days, his legs were failing and he needed wheelchair to move around. But he said his arms were not failing. So, he continue to paint as long as his arms are okay.
In his interview in TV program, asked how he felt about his own artworks, he said he felt making a lot of failures, mistakes, and regrets. He could not help continuing to think he should have done this should not have done that... When the interviewer asked which is his perfect masterpiece he liked, he replied "nothing". He said everything he painted were imperfect. At last he smiled and told to the interviewer "I do not look back past. No matter how bad was critics evaluation, past works are past. I continue to think next."
It looks like continuous Imperfect Action made him #1 Japanese Water Painting in the history of Japanese modern art.
Related Site:
http://imperfectaction.com/blog/
Related Article:
http://zheninternational.blogspot.com/2009/01/slump-sumo-grand-champion-took.html
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Shaw Funami
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5 comments:
Hi Shaw .. thanks for introducing us to Seison Maeda .. it's interesting to learn more about the Japanese culture .. & isn't it brilliant that he kept on working .. as he had a passion
Hi Hilary, Yes, he kept working until his last day. Amazing spirit, isnt't it? Your next time visiting to Japan, visit Horyu-ji Temple whereas you can see his artwork there. Thank you very much for your comment.
Hi Shaw .. when I visit Japan .. I will definitely be in contact to find out the best places to see .. and visit .. & obviously I must include the Horyu-ji Temple where you can see his artwork
Hilary - Please do. Thank you for your comment. Let me know when you plan to visit Japan.
Hi Shaw .. not at least for another year (or two) .. but we'll have met again by then .. and I shall definitely ask your advice .. thanks for the offer!!
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