Japanese 'Heart Art' comes to Reading – University of Reading
01 October 2004
Some 360 pieces of exciting contemporary artwork from Japan will go on display at the University of Reading this autumn, as part of a major exhibition that is coming to the UK for the first time. The exhibition, Heart Art in England, seeks to strengthen the links and friendship between Japan and England. It will feature calligraphy, painting, sculpture, photography and ceramics by some of the best artists working in Japan today. Also on display will be 40 pieces by local artists and staff and students from the University's Department of Fine Art – including works by Professor Stephen Buckley, the renowned artist whose works are displayed in the Tate Gallery, London. The exhibition, organised by Heart Art Communication, will be held in The Great Hall at the University's London Road campus between Thursday 28 October and Wednesday 3 November, 2004. An official launch event is being held at the London Road campus on Thursday 28 October and many distinguished guests will attend, including Cllr Richard Stainthorp, the Mayor of Reading, and Professor Gordon Marshall, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading. Professor Marshall said: "We are pleased to welcome and host this year's international Heart Art Communication exhibition in our Great Hall. It is a wonderful opportunity to see and enjoy contemporary art in a Reading and international context." In the past, Heart Art Communication has held intercultural art exhibitions in cities across the world, including Los Angeles, New York, Seville, Rome, Paris, Beijing, Seoul, Rotterdam, Mexico City and Perth. Catherine Wilton, Lead Councillor for Culture and Sport, said: "On behalf of Reading Borough Council I would like to say how delighted I am to welcome this prestigious exhibition to Reading and the UK. The Great Hall is a magnificent venue for the exhibition and offers the opportunity for both residents and visitors to view these exciting works from Japan." The Heart Art in England Exhibition will also form part of Reading's International Festival, which runs from Sunday 17 October to Wednesday 3 November. Co-ordinated by the Reading International Solidarity Centre, the Festival brings together dozens of local groups to celebrate Reading's diverse culture, with music, food, theatre and dance. Heart Art in England is free and open from 10am to 5pm between Thursday 28 October and Wednesday 3 November, 2004 EXCEPT Sunday 31 October, when the exhibition will be closed. For further details, please contact Janet Cheshire on 0118 378 6422. End Notes for editors -Heart Art Communication is a non-profit organisation founded in 1997 by Professor Shinichiro Kurimoto (a former member of Japan's House of Representatives), Mr Masami Fujisawa (Executive President of Yubido Inc.) and two of Japan's most respected art critics, Kyohei Minakami and Yoshie Yoshida. It was formed to make "a contribution to society through the miracle of fine arts". For media enquiries only, please contact Craig Hillsley, the University's press officer. Tel: 0118 378 7388 Email: c.hillsley@rdg.ac.uk