Shimada, born in Yamagata Prefecture, studied under Kaian Tanaka.  Her works are on display in Beijing Palace Museum, British Library, Turk Japon Vakfi KuluturMerkezi, Japanisch-Deutsche Gesellchaft, Ukraine National Gallery, and the Lianyungang Museum.  Numerous solo and group exhibitions including EU Embassy Tokyo several private gatherings July 2016, Galleries in Ginza Tokyo, Japan November 2017, the Japanese Embassy in Belgium summer 2017, and Paris, France June 2017.

Her work was commissioned to calligraph the signboard at Musahino Imperial Mausoleum (mausoleum complex of JapaneseEmperors).

Most recently works of her art appeared in the philosopher and poet’s book Dr. Paul Briot’s newest 2017 edition of Le Rayonnant…un art vers l’Infini…   Her recent book Cosmic Calligraphy, the World of Saiso Shimada  (also 2017) is introduced with forward written by the curator of the State Hermitage Museum : Aleksey Bogolyubov, a specialist on Japanese art.

“This wonderous space created by her work brings forth pure emotion and will bring deep healing to people’s hearts and minds.”

— Aleksey Bogolyubov, Curator of the State Hermitage Museum

SAISO SHIMADA:  A Rare Combination of Breath, Joy, Energy and Spirit

Saiso Shimada: Combines Breath, Energy, Joy and Spirit

BREATH

Combines profound knowledge of calligraphy with Zen & over 15 years of Kikou (Qigong).  Each stroke is anchored in breath.

It took Nathalie Ishizuka three years to find Saiso Shimada, but it was well worth the wait.

While many artists meditate, Shimada had her own unique style and life exuded from her art with an energy that surprises and heals.

“She uses breath in a way I have never seen before,” says Ishizuka.  Each stroke is advanced yoga, each breath channels energy on to the paper for us to enjoy for many many years ahead.

ENERGY

Shimada paints together the present and the future: a flow of energy that is Japan’s spirit pointed upwards like a samurai sword.  It is vertical as is the human spirit inciting Japan to move in a new direction and to focus on what is important.  The incision is not horizontal, but vertical.

A new transformation through art.  Since shodo ink captures energy on paper and can keep it for many many years, sitting in front of one of these paintings is a sure way to enfuse oneself with new life.

After one meditation of Shimada not being her body nor her mind, Shimada’s calligraphy changed as did the energy in the characters.  Sitting in front of that painting Ishizuka can still feel its energy.   It sits at my desk to enfuse me with its strength.