Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival)
Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival) | Michi Toki
April 7, 2016 - April 28, 2016
NOTE: NEW EXHIBIT END DATE
300 W 30th
New York, NY
(between 8th and 9th ave.)
Nearest Trains: A, C, E, 1
Hours: On view 24/7 through window
Sakura Matsuri presents a mixture of traditional Japanese paintings side-by-side translations of traditional Western masterpieces, such as Ingres' Grande Odalisque and Rousseau's The Snake Charmer, reimagined in "Japanese style." Through traditional Japanese painting methods—using black ink, five types of gold paint, gold flake, glitter, and pearl—Michi Toki contrasts different cultures' notions of "traditional" and "masterpiece."
About the Artist
Born and raised in Kyoto, Japan, Michi Toki comes from a long line of imperial calligraphers and a father who was both a Japanese painter and kimono designer. She started working as a calligrapher, herself, at the age of 13. Toki has had solo exhibits in Burlington, VT (Historical Heritage and Dowtown) and in New York at RIVVA. In 2011, her "friendship calligraphy" was used for a U.S. charity event following Japan's 3/11 tsunami.
