If there's only one lesson to be gleaned from the gestural oeuvres of the late Japanese artist Tawara Yusaku, it's that the mindfulness, wisdom and understanding essential to walk on the Buddhist path can be realized by surrendering to the inevitable.
The 77 ink-on-paper sketches on view at Asia Society Texas Center as part of Universe is Flux: The Art of Tawara Yusaku, a major retrospective exhibition in partnership with the Indianapolis Museum of Art, embrace change as a critical truth of the human experience.
Art lovers at the preview marveled at the organic, monochromatic renderings while guests at a following reception were offered a holistic aesthetic experience.
Antoine Plante plus his period ensemble, Mercury - The Orchestra Redefined, curated a subdued, site-specific playlist that echoed Yusako's credo. The tuneful fun spun livelier at the turntable of DJ Sun, who researched Japanese genres to bring out jazz and experimental music from eastern provenance.
Edibles from Muiishi Makirritos and Little Soya coupled with infusions from Té House of Tea and local sake from Texas Saké Company. Ornate ikebana flower arrangements by Sushila Mathew of the Ohara Ikebana School provided yet another layer of beauty for contemplation.
At one with the universe were Nancy Allen, Chinhui Juhn and Edward Rudge Allen III, Suzan Shagagi and Daniel Aparviz, Rose Chen, Kathy and Marty Goossen, Elaine Kennedy, Houston Endowment's David Lake and Debbie McNulty, Judy Nyquist, Kayoko and Michiaki Okada, Mari Omori, David Ruiz, John Teramoto and Tina and Josh Zulu.
Rose Chen, from left, Nancy Allen and Clara Boyce at The Art of Tawara Yusaku opening.
