Nature is a sweeping backdrop of inspiration for renowned Japanese Canadian woodcut artist Naoko Matsubara. A distinguished print artist known for creating cheerful and joyful works, Matsubara’s images range from black and white to vibrant colour, intimate to monumental, playful to contemplative. 

Spirit Place will explore the work and remarkable career of Naoko Matsubara.  Since 1960, Matsubara has had over 80 exhibitions around the world, but none have focused on her creative process and the influence of nature and the architecture of her studio.  Spirit Place acts not only as a retrospective of Matsubara’s work, but also a reflection on her creative process and the influence of nature, spirituality, and the studio where she works – her spirit place.  
Forty dynamic woodcut prints will hang in the JCCC Art Gallery, along with her rollers, paints, brushes and handmade paper. Photographs depicting Matsubara in process in her studio will be hung, and a short documentary featuring the artist, her work, and her studio, will premiere.

Please join us at our opening reception for a night of art, film, and dance! The night will start in Kobayashi Hall with the premiere of Matsubara’s documentary and Matsubara in conversation with esteemed Japanese Canadian architect, Bruce Kuwabara. In the JCCC Gallery, the exhibit will open with remarks and a mime dance performance by artist Noriko Yamamoto of Momo Gallery. 
Light refreshments will be served and cash bar available.  

Reception schedule is as follows:

6:45 pm: Doors Open to Kobayashi Hall
7:00 pm: Premiere of film and Naoko Matsubara in conversation with Bruce Kuwabara | Kobayashi Hall
7:45 Exhibition opening, remarks | JCCC Gallery
8:30: Mime dance performance by Noriko Yamamoto
Matsubara will also give an artist talk at 7pm during Nuit Blanche. More information to come!

Please keep an eye out on our webpage for more programming information: https://jccc.on.ca/event/2024/09/matsubara-spirit-place