Calligraphy or Abstraction? The International role of Sho in post-war exhibitions

Abstract

Thanks to the many exhibitions of avant-garde calligraphy Shiryû Morita and his group Bokujinkai promoted during the 1950s, the contemporary Japanese callgraphy movement experienced an international impact and a revolutionary approach to Western abstract creations. Although during the mid-1950s a certain rejection of this dialogue between both artistic expressions began in artistic and critical circles, the theory Shiryû promoted made a deep impression worldwide, followed by large exhibitions by the group overseas, as well as their participation in international shows, where their work was exhibited among Western masterpieces. The “American and Japanese Abstract Art” exhibition was one of the first and most important shows related to this phenomenon for being one of the first events in Japan showing calligraphy at the same level as other contemporary artistic expressions and proving, the art of Sho stands out for its power of communication based on the originality of this art in contrast with Japanese abstract oil painting, which only imitates the Western techniques. Many events like this followed, assuring the important role of Sho in the international art panorama.