 |
HONMA Kazuaki
"Full Moon", 1974.
19" x 22" x 17 1/2"
#19685
To see more images of this artist's work, click here.
Click here to view the Honma Hideaki exhibition catalog online. |
HONMA Kazuaki
(b. 1930)
In 1952, Honma apprenticed to the great 20th century bamboo artist, Hayashi Shogetsusai. Within a year, his career as a professional artist was launched with an important local award. But long days making exhibition artwork and flower baskets to support his family cost him his health and Honma decided to concentrate on commercial work. At the height of his success he employed 50 assistants to make intricate and highly coveted bamboo brooches.
Once financially secure, he devoted himself to his art, winning important prizes and leadership posts. He moved beyond sculpture and flower baskets to create a series of bamboo paintings that earned him the two Tokusen
prizes necessary to become a full member of Japan's Nitten world. Honma is the only living bamboo artist to achieve this status and has used his position to encourage other bamboo artists to expand their vision.
Now in his fifth decade as an artist, Honma's signature is his use of hobichiku, a round sooted bamboo suited for his rhythmically curved sculptures. He has published a book, The Shapes in Bamboo, and been featured in numerous exhibitions, including a solo show in Washington, D.C. sponsored by the Japanese Embassy. His work is in the permanent collection of the San Francisco Asian Art Museum, Niigata Prefectural Modern Art Museum, and Niigata City Museum.
Click here to send this photo to a friend as a postcard.
