Catch this Japanese-Canadian display at this New West space

Even if you aren’t able to understand kanji, you’ll be able to read it...albeit in a different way.

Japanese calligrapher Aiko Hatanaka of Tokyo, flutist Mark Takeshi McGregor of Vancouver, video artist Ryo Kanda of Tokyo, and soundscape artist Yota Kobayashi of Vancouver have created Kūsou/空相. The New Media Gallery, the Powell Street Festival Society, and Formscape Art Society are working with the Anvil Centre to bring this installation to New West.  The work includes 106 pieces of calligraphic kanji. While kanji is commonly known as a pictograph used for written communication, in Kūsou it becomes a vessel for art. The shapes, lines, tones and textures in the context of Kūsou will mean something different to each viewer, as the characters are transformed into 3D pieces of art. 

“The artwork is an immersive audio-visual installation,” says Kobayashi. “I’m originally from Japan, and it’s been my desire that we incorporate Japanese artistic practice with technology-based art production methodologies.” Kobayashi says there are different layers of beauty to the experience: In one case, the trailer shows the calligraphy transitioning from a smoke-like look, then turning into what seems to be a mist. The flute plays in the background, birds chirping along as the characters change. 

“It is a bit of an eclectic approach, combining the traditional and contemporary; it’s a mixture of west and east,” Kobayashi says, noting this mirrors his own journey as an artist. “I did my musical training here. My studies were [in] soundscape designing, so audible scenery with multiple channels and speakers.” 

Kobayashi adds it was important to display how meaningful it can be to work together across borders, though there were some challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic. "With this project, I only met them just now," he says, noting that, due to the pandemic, he and his collaborators often met digitally to put Kūsou together. "The best part about this project is the people. They all really wanted to contribute to this single goal.” 

Kobayashi also loves how this collaboration has served as another way to meet and learn from new people. “They all have such a desire to contribute to the success. It was great that I was able to work with them, and they always want to help.”

The exhibit will show from July 28 until Aug. 3.