Lecture & Demonstration
Washi: Infinite Ideas in Traditional Techniques
Japanese master papermakers, brothers Hironao and Osamu Hamada
to bring their expertise to the United States on a four-city tour
September 19 (Thu, 7-9pm) - Los Angeles, CA: The Japan Foundation, Los Angele
September 21 (Sat, 11am-1pm) - Berkeley, CA: Kala Art Institute
September 23 (Mon, 1-3pm) - Salt Lake City, UT: Devereaux Mansion
September 24 (Tue, 12-2:30pm) - Albuquerque, NM: University of New Mexico
Organizer: The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles (JFLA)
Co-Organizer: Hiromi Paper Inc.
Speakers:
Hironao Hamada and Osamu Hamada; papermakers from Kochi, Japan
Yona Warmin; Director of Hiromi Paper Inc.
Information: www.jflalc.org
Admission: Free of Charge
Supported by:
Kala Art Institute
Church History Library
University of New Mexico, Department of Art & Art History
The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles (JFLA) invites master washi (Japanese paper) papermaking brothers Hironao and Osamu Hamada from Kochi Prefecture to the United States, in partnership with Hiromi Paper Inc. (HPI), the Kala Art Institute, Church History Library, and the University of New Mexico, to give lectures and demonstrations on a four-city American tour through Los Angeles, Berkeley, Salt Lake City, and Albuquerque.
Through a two-hour program, Yona Warmin of Hiromi Paper Inc. will explain the history, uses, and many varieties of washi.
Hironao and Osamu Hamada will demonstrate their traditional papermaking techniques, sharing their latest innovations and ideas of washi in the art.
At the Kala Art Institute and the University of New Mexico, artists will exhibit their art pieces made using Osamu's washi, and they will have an opportunity to meet him and exchange ideas.
Hironao Hamada
Upon completing his apprenticeship with his grandfather Living National Treasure Sajio Hamada in 2011, Hironao now carries on the tradition of the "Wing of the Mayfly" Tosa Tengucho, said to be the world's thinnest paper, as a 4th generation paper maker.
Along with traditional papermaking, he now explores new possibilities for Tengucho and other varieties of washi, collaborating with artists and designers and exploring inkjet printing on Tengucho.
In addition to its use in a variety of artwork, his Tengucho is often used in restoration of paintings and other art pieces, including the restoration of books and ukiyo-e prints at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling.
Osamu Hamada
Osamu entered into the world of papermaking in 2005 with his apprenticeship in Mino Washi. He now uses his own unique method of the "rakusui" water technique to make handmade lace papers.
Along with producing rakusui paper, Osamu also produces handmade high-quality papers for art restoration upon request from domestic and foreign conservation studios. He also receives requests for heavyweight handmade papers for fine art.
Yona Warmin
Director of Hiromi Paper Inc., a Japanese paper importer that has been providing fine quality Japanese handmade and machine made paper to artists, conservators, designers, and bookmakers in the U.S. for more than 25 years.
About The Japan Foundation
The Japan Foundation (JF) is a cultural exchange institution that promotes international awareness and mutual understanding between Japan and people throughout the world. JF provides a wide range of programs centered on three pillars of activity: Arts and Cultural Exchange, Japanese Language Education, and Japanese Studies and International Exchange.
Japan Foundation activities are non-profit and are financed by Japanese government endowment and annual subsidies, investment revenue, and donations from the private sector. The Foundation maintains 22 overseas offices in 21 countries, including 2 offices in the United States: New York and Los Angeles.
