Snarling dragons. Roaring tigers. Goblins brandishing clubs. These are some of the subjects of Japanese artist Yasunori Kimata’s brush painting pieces. On November 5 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., UCF students can see Kimata’s artistic process unfold live with a free brush painting performance in the Cape Florida ballroom of the Student Union. Kimata has performed live brush painting both solo and collaboratively in Japan and abroad. There will be an introductory discussion and Q&A session with Kimata precluding the performance.
Through these events organized by the Department of Modern Languages & Literatures, students learn about Japanese culture through their art. Last November, the Japanese program presented a Japanese Tsugaru Shamisen performance by Kyle Abbott and Mike Penny, two world-renowned players of the shamisen, or three-stringed Japanese instrument.
“The shamisen performance really showed how UCF celebrates diversity,” said Michael Gayle, an Information Technology major who attended the event. “These events expose students to traditions and art forms from around the world, molding us into more global citizens.”
“As a person with a huge passion of Japanese culture, I really appreciate these types of events where I can enjoy the experience while retaining the same level of cultural significance, even if it’s happening miles away from its home country,” said Anne Tran, another student attendee.
In the future, the UCF Japanese program wants to host even more cultural events for students to get involved in. “These events help students gain a better understanding of Japanese culture and increase their sense of being a part of a community that appreciates cultural diversity,” Mihoko Wheeler, a visiting instructor of Japanese, said. “Some of the activities our program wants to bring to UCF next are traditional Japanese dance, film screenings, and rakugo, the art of comic book storytelling.”
For now, students can experience mesmerizing Japanese art on November 5.
“I’m excited to see how Yasunori creates his brush strokes,” said Alexandra Molinari, a studio art major. “I hope that by watching, I can emulate the kind of energy he puts into his paintings into my own art.”
Seating is limited. RSVP to the event here.