Hikita Masao BIO - In Praise of Shadows
Hikita Masao 疋田雅夫 Elogie of the night
“(…) in traditional Japanese aesthetics, the essential thing is to capture the enigma of shadow. Beauty is not a substance in itself but a play of chiaroscuro produced by the juxtaposition of different substances that form the subtle play of the modulations of shadow.”
At the first dinner we shared at home in Kyoto with Hikita Sensei, we asked him if it was possible to write about him on our website. Writing about him meant an attempt to highlight the work of that person who had so generously opened the doors of his traditional house in Kyoto to us and, even more generously, had taught us everything that, according to his words, was only the beginning of a long path around calligraphy. Masao Hikita Sensei began at the age of nine in the world of Sumi-e painting and Shodo thanks to the teachings of his paternal grandfather (of whom he spoke to us as if he were remembering the most important treasure of his life). Since then he has been linked uninterruptedly to this practice and is currently dedicated to teaching Shodo and producing calligraphic works, focusing on the writing of ancient Chinese poems. But, in addition, he is an expert in traditional Japanese arts in general and a specialist - like few others - in the handling of materials and all the procedures inherent to the arts of the brush.
One day, in Momiji's studio, full of brushes, papers made of vegetal fibers, collections of suzuri(s) and paintings on kakejiku(s), he offered us a demonstration of calligraphy in large format, using an ancient Chinese poem as an excuse. His assistant and gifted student, Nakamura-san, helped him with total respect and generosity to organize the work materials. This moment of absolute beauty (which we share with all of you on our social networks through a video) meant for us an invaluable, transcendent experience and moved us to tears. We were proud to be the first group of students -non-Japanese- in his teaching career, and he confirmed to us -afterwards- that he enjoyed the experience. And we were even more so, he transformed us as only a Sensei has the power to do. At that first dinner we shared in Kyoto with Hikita Sensei, we asked him if it was possible to write about him on our page. He told us to talk about ourselves, not about him. He prefers to remain in the shadows, in that subtle game of shadow modulations that so challenges us, dazzles us and beautifies us. *The title of this text is taken from the eponymous title of the essay by the classic Japanese writer Junichiro Tanizaki.
