November 3, 2010

Artist Kubo Shu has famously revived a centuries-old tradition through the art of ‘Kirie’ or paper-cutting. Kubo will be a Westphal guest for a weeklong residency that will kick-off with the exhibition Paper Japonsim at the Leonard Pearlstein Gallery. Kubo, a Rankin Scholar-in-Residence, will exhibit stunning cut paper reliefs on traditional Japanese rice paper made from non-traditional materials.  

An opening reception and artist’s lecture will be held Wednesday, November 3rd at 6 PM in Stein Auditorium in Nesbitt Hall, followed by a reception in Chapman Court featuring such Japanese foods as maki, sushi, nigiri and Japanese appetizers and desserts. Kubo will also conduct a two-day workshop featuring his techniques and process in ‘Kirie.’  The workshop, free and open to the public, will be held from 10 AM to 3 PM on Friday and Saturday, October 29th & 30th, in the first floor lobby of the Recreation Center (3301 Market Street). Participants will experience working with paper in innovative ways and will discover how to incorporate these techniques into their own art and design work.

Kubo was appointed a special advisor for cultural exchange by the Japanese Cultural Affairs Office. He has designed the Japanese postage stamps Sumida River's Fireworks and Morning Glory and his work has been featured at a Miyama Kayabuki Art Museum Exhibition (Kyoto, Japan).
Kubo’s visit coincides with the 150th anniversary of the first Japanese delegation visit to the United States and the exhibit will celebrate “Bunkanohi,” Culture Day in Japan.  The Japan Foundation has provided support for the visit of Kubo Shu and his workshop.  Kubo’s exhibition runs Monday, November 1st through Friday, December 3rd.

Event Details:
What: Kirié: Paper Japonism
EXHIBITION:  November 1 – December 3
Pearlstein Gallery • Nesbitt Hall • 33rd and Market Streets
LECTURE / OPENING RECEPTION: Wednesday, November 3; 6 PM
Stein Auditorium • Nesbitt Hall • 33rd and Market Streets
TWO-DAY WORKSHOP: Friday October 29 and Saturday Oct 30; 10 AM – 3 PM
1fl. lobby at Drexel Recreation Center • 3301 Market Street
Gallery Hours: M-F, 11 AM – 5 PM 
Cost: Free and open to the public
More information:  215.895.2548 or visit