Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar - VCUQ, Doha - Gallery news: VCUQatar Blockbuster Event: Generations: Kimonos from Japan

VCUQatar Blockbuster Event: Generations: Kimonos from Japan (14.10.2008)

Immediate Release: The Gallery | Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar presents Generations - Tradition and Continuity in Kimonos from Japan

Doha, Qatar- Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar is proud to present an amazing evening of lecture, Fashion Show and Reception on Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at 7:00PM followed by a Kimono painting workshop, October 16, 2008 at 10:00 AM. The public is invited to both events and no reservations are required.

The Kimono, the national costume of Japan, was first developed over seven hundred years ago during the Heian Period. In modern times, however, the Kimono has become a garment that is no longer used in everyday life, but marks special occasions end events in a person's life that warrant an element of tradition, such as the Tea Ceremony, the New Year, the Coming-of-Age Day, Graduation, Wedding, or Funeral. Kimonos have traditionally been highly prized garments, hand made of the finest materials, and handed down from one generation to the next. The exhibition "Generations - Tradition and Continuity in Kimonos from Japan", curated by Sandra Wilkins, Professor of Fashion Design at VCUQatar, explores this aspect of Japanese Kimono culture by showing examples from a private Japanese collection that were assembled over several generations. In addition the exhibition also showcases the materials and techniques of manufacture of different types of Kimonos and assesses the resurgence of the Kimono in the youth culture of contemporary Japan.

"The exhibit is designed to educate the audience about everything related to Kimonos; from how fabric is woven to the choice of colors. What makes Kimonos so highly prized is the art that goes into them. Japanese Kimono artists are Artists of amazing talent. Kimonos are often passed on from one generation to the next and in this exhibit we explore this tradition. Kimonos represent more than something worn; each Kimono is a living piece of art," explained Sandra Wilkins.

The opening of the exhibition on October 15, 2008 at 7:00 pm will be accompanied by a public lecture in the VCUQatar Atrium by Prof. Yumiko Mizutani, as well as a fashion show featuring both traditional and modern Kimonos. On October 16, 2008 at 10:00 am the Kimono artist Sosaku Manabe will conduct a public workshop in the VCUQatar Atrium on the manufacture of Kimonos.

Professor Yumiko Mizutani is a professor at Graduate School of Intercultural Studies at Yamaguchi Prefectural University (YPU). Fashion Design and Aesthetic of Fashion are her majors. After completion of Master's course in Home Economics at Ochanomizu University, Tokyo, she taught in Seian College of Art and Design, Kyoto as an assistant professor, and is teaching now at YPU. She published "History of Fashion" as a co-author and "Dramatic Space by Tomio Mohri - Stage, Fashion and Art -".

She works for regional participating through product design and fashion shows based on regional history and culture. Since 2000 she has organized and managed "Japan Fashion Design Contest in Yamaguchi" which focuses on Denim to popularize Denim fashion in and out of Japan. She researches Kimonos by focusing on the idea of "Japonism" and sustainability.

Mr. Sosaku Manabe was born in 1956 and became interested in the world of drawing at an early age. Significantly influenced by his father who was a skilled painter, he grew up, listening to the sound of weaving in his aunt's house in Nishijin, Kyoto. He decided to learn Kyo-Yuzen hand-drawing under the artist Taro Ryoku in 1981, which gave him an extraordinary sense of color. After his apprenticeship in 1983, he extended his experience under a Japanese painting artist Koen Hakamada. Currently he is working on his own production in harmony with his unique spirit. By using his prominent skills and fresh sense of color he produces one of a kind products. His work "Henka (Change)" was awarded "Prize of Kyoto City Mayor" in May 1998. The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry awarded him the title of "Traditional Industrial Artist" for Kyo-Yuzen hand drawing.

Mr. Manabe states, "My motto is to produce Kimonos which people enjoy watching and are pleased to wear. I'm always producing Kimonos with all my heart."

VCUQatar is particularly grateful for the generous support of this exhibition by H.E. Mr. Yukio Kitazume, The Ambassador of Japan to the State of Qatar and his wife Mrs. Hiroko Kitazume for lending their personal heirlooms from their private collection, as well as providing logistical support in inviting distinguished speakers from Japan.

The exhibition is scheduled from October 15 - November 15, 2008. The VCUQatar Gallery is open Sundays-Thursdays, 10:00 am-5:00 pm, or by prior appointment. An Opening Lecture, Fashion Show and Reception will take place on Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at 7:00 pm at VCU Qatar Atrium and The Gallery. Further information, please call +974.492.7200 or Dr. Sokoly on +974.482 6786, or email jsokoly@qatar.vcu.edu.

Generations - Tradition and Continuity in Kimonos from Japan Press Release as pdf-File 140 KB

Generations - Tradition and Continuity in Kimonos from Japan Press Release as pdf-File 166 KB in Arabic language

Generations - Tradition and Continuity in Kimonos from Japan invitation´s card as pdf-File 226 KB

About Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar:
Established in the US in 1838 and in Qatar in 1998 Virginia Commonwealth University offers students from all over the world the opportunity to earn Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in fashion, graphic and interior design. A team of highly skilled professors provide rigorous curricula that prepare students to assume leadership roles in the professional design field of their choice. VCUQatar regularly organizes and hosts exhibitions, gallery events, world-class conferences and holds an annual fashion show. VCUQatar is supported and funded by the Qatar Foundation. For more information please visit www.qatar.vcu.edu or call +974 492 7245.

About Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development
Founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, and chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Missned, Qatar Foundation is a private, non-profit organization committed to the principle that a nation's greatest natural resource is its people. The headquarters of Qatar Foundation are located within its flagship project, Education City, a fourteen million square-meter campus which hosts numerous progressive learning institutions and centers of research, including branch campuses of six of the world's leading universities, plus a cutting-edge research and development center. Qatar Foundation also works to enhance the quality of life in Qatar by investing in community health and development.

For more information please visit: www.qf.org.qa

Moamer Qazafi Office: +974 492 7277
Email: MQAZAFI@QATAR.VCU.EDU

Images:
A model wearing a Kimono using the proper technique
Famed Japanese Kimono Artist Mr. Sosaku Manabe
Famed Japanese researcher Yumiko Mizutani
A detailed close-up of the art produced by Mr. Manabe from his Kimono entitled "Rakuyoju"