*Tenkoku, seal engraving, originated in China.

Myohseki Shimura was born in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan, in 1949. He studied at Fukuoka Educational College as a calligraphy major. In 1980, Shimura was awarded grand prix at the prestigious national competition, nitten. Following this honor, he was soon given the first Fukuoka Prefecture Cultural Award. In 1993 Shimura was granted the title of Master. Both the grand prix award and the status of Master were given to Shimura as the youngest calligrapher in nitten¹s history. His unique accomplishments are recognized throughout Japan.

Through size alteration and the addition of pigments, Shimura has developed technique to a contemporary sensibility, creating his unique world - the tenkoku. Shimura has developed the sensitive lines for seal engraving which are usually contained within one square inch into powerful yet sensitive lines within three square inches. Even through the process of enlargement, the original delicate nuance of the traditional is retained.

Shimura¹s work has been exhibited in one-person shows in Tokyo, Fukuoka, and Kitakyushu, Japan; Tailien and Shanghai, China, and New York, USA. He has been an invited artist to the World Calligraphy Biennial of Jeollabuk-do, Korea, since 1999, as well as the Guangzhou International Art Fair in 2005. Shimura¹s the tenkoku is in numerous national and international collections.

April 1st through 29th, 2006