A mix of Eastern and Western art has made its way to Champaign County in the form of Frank Yukio Satogata’s “A Fusion of Disciplines East & West” exhibit, which will be on display April 2 through May 7 at Urbana University’s Miller Center for Visual Arts (Browne Hall).
Satogata, who is of Japanese descent, was born and raised in Hawaii and now calls Cincinnati home. A painter and calligrapher, some of his works like “East Meets West,” feature a mix of both artistic forms as he incorporates Japanese calligraphy into his paintings.
“I am constantly searching for ways to integrate the best of both cultures into my personal identity as a painter,” Satogata writes on his website. “My search has focused on understanding the relationship between Zen calligraphy and Abstract Expressionism. Spontaneity of brush strokes and evidence of process are an important part of both and an essential part of my work. I am constantly refining my mark making so it becomes more and more a part of my personal calligraphy.”
To mark the opening of Satogata’s exhibit at the Miller Center for Visual Arts, a reception will be held from 2-4 p.m. Saturday. During the event, which is open to the public, Satogata will be giving a live calligraphy demonstration.
“Japanese and Asian artists use a long-bristled brush called a Sumi-e, and I’ve heard he has some the size of a small dog,” said Steve McInturff, director of the Miller Center for Visual Arts.
“A Fusion of Disciplines East & West” will be on exhibit until May 7 and can be viewed every Thursday and Saturday from 1-4 p.m.
