Zen No Sho: The Calligraphy of Fukushima Keido Roshi
February 25 – May 11, 2003
Oglethorpe University Museum of Art was honored to present this exhibition of the calligraphy of Fukushima Roshi, head abbot of Japan’s Tofukuji Monastery and venerable Zen Master.
Internationally renowned for his calligraphic work, Fukushima Keido Roshi is considered a national treasure in Japan, revered to the degree that an artist of the stature of Monet or Picasso would be in the West. Among the works shown at OUMA were unique calligraphy created specially for this exhibition. Fukushima Roshi conducted a calligraphy demonstration during the exhibition, as well as a half-day Zen retreat. A special lecture series also brought visitors an opportunity to gain a better understanding of a culture and aesthetics far different from our own. The exhibition catalog, Zen No Sho: The Calligraphy of Fukushima Roshi Keido, was edited by Dr. Jason Wirth, associate professor of philosophy at OU and published by Clear Light Publishers. The catalog also includes essays by Audrey Yoshiko Seo, Stephen Addiss, and Steve Goldberg — all leading scholars in the field.
About Tofukuji Monastery
Tofukuji Monastery in Kyoto, Japan, which dates from the early twelfth century, is one of the largest and historically most significant among the Zen monasteries in Japan. Several of the monastery’s buildings are listed as National Treasures by the Japanese government, and Tofukuji houses many priceless works of Japanese art. Fukushima Keido has served as Head Abbot of Tofukuji since 1991.
Selected Highlights:
