Vernissage of BrushMind with Kaz Tanahashi in Berlin
Kaz, Kazuaki Tanahashi is a Japanese born artist who has been living in the States since 1977. He is an artist in one word but he manages any arts. He is a calligrapher, painter, author, translator and a zen teacher. He is now over 80 years old and still travelling the world a half of the year to give workshops. What a vitality!
This month, 16th to 18th of October, Kaz holds a workshop in Berlin. And on the 3rd, the past Saturday, there was a vernissage of BrushMind. Some of my students and I went. It was very inspiring.
Photo by Paolo Marino
Kaz is well known as a calligrapher but he is also an important person for Aikido practitioners. He was the direct student of Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido. Kaz’ father was a friend of Ueshiba and he send Kaz to practice aikido with this great teacher. Each time he wrote a word, he told us a memory of Ueshiba, which I found it beautiful. Because it wasn’t just about the great aikido master but simply the life of Kaz and his memories. I have a lot of memories about my own teacher and would be happy if someone wants to know about him. My teacher is a part of how I am now.
The work of circle, triangle and square is the foundation of aikido. Maybe one of you practice aikido and know the exact meaning? If so, please help me as I can’t recall so well. This was also in the exhibition room.
Kaz’ trademark, circle, which comes from Zen, Mu (無/ nothingness).
Mu (無), nothingness is one of the most important philosophy for Zen.
Tools of Kaz.
Documentary about Kaz made by a young German guy who lived in Kaz’ house for two months. We could watch how Kaz works and a little bit of his daily life as an artist.
Photo by Paolo Marino
This week from the 16th to the 18th, Kaz will be holding a workshop in Berlin.
Kazaki Tanahashi, BrushMind : http://www.brushmind.net
