Opening Ceremony Report ：Exhibition 2025 in Berne

Opening speech and live demonstration

On April 5, 2025, in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan in Switzerland, I held the opening ceremony for my very first independently organised exhibition, the Contemporary Japanese Ink Painting Exhibition.

I am delighted that around 80 guests attended the event, far exceeding expectations.

I would like to thank everyone who took the time to atted.

After the opening speeches, I presented five works in a live painting demonstration.

It was a real pleasure to share the creative process with the audience, from traditional styles to contemporary abstract expressions.

Each work was born from the spontaneous harmony between ink and water, the movement of the brush and the texture of the washi paper - a process in which artworks take shape instantly and unexpectedly.

This sense of improvisation and harmony with nature is, I believe, one of the essential qualities of Japanese ink painting.

It was in this spirit that I picked up the brush for the live performance, hoping to share its unique beauty.

I also hope that, through the transformation of a single brushstroke into a finished piece, the audience was able to feel the profound spirituality of WABI-SABI and ZEN that is central to Japanese aesthetics.

In addition, I would be truly happy if this exhibition provided even a glimpse of how elements of Japanese ink painting have subtly influenced the distinctive appeal of the globally popular Japanese MANGA and ANIME.

I am deeply grateful to my dear friends who helped to enhance the atmosphere of the exhibition.

ORIGAMI artist Andrea, whose delicate paper works beautifully bridged my artworks with the physical space.

Tea master Geneviève, who graciously served matcha alongside handmade traditional Japanese sweets.

And the many other friends who supported me in countless ways.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the unwavering support and understanding of my family.

Seeing guests enjoy the exhibition while talking and engaging with the artwork has been the greatest reward I could have hoped for - and an incredible source of encouragement to keep going.

The exhibition is currently open until 25 April 2025 and some of the works on display can also be viewed on my website (please note that some pieces have not yet been uploaded).

I am also planning my next exhibition (May 6 - June 7, 2025 in Prades, FRANCE). Many of the works will be on display in France during this time, so please contact me if you are interested in purchasing any of the works. Reservations are possible.

For any inquiries about the works, requests for custom-made pieces, or invitations for live painting demonstrations or events, please feel free to contact me at any time.

Thank you very much.

Mitsuko

Japanese special sweets for Matcha made by Genevieve

Ink painting tools : Brushes, Sumi ink, Japanese Washi paper

I would like to express my gratitude to all those who kindly cooperated in providing me with videos and other materials. 　　Kumano Brush (Kumano Town General Affairs Department, Industry and Tourism Division)

　　Sekishu Washi (Sekishu Washi Cooperative Association)

　　Sumi Ink (Bokuundo)