Invitation to the Gathering 　
Tracing the Footsteps of Zhou Hao

Date and Time: Sunday, September 8, 2024, 14:00 - 15:30
Venue: Artland Gallery

We are pleased to announce the gathering to trace the footsteps of Mr. Zhou Hao. We have invited his wife, Keiko Kunii, to share memories and thoughts about Mr. Hao.
The event will include the following:

・Presentation from Artland Gallery: We will explain the background and overview of the exhibition project.

・Talk by Keiko Kunii: Ms. Kunii will present Mr. Hao's photo albums from his student days, his favorite tools, sketches of his works, and his box of inspirations, which was the source of many ideas.

・Discussion and Sharing: We invite participants to share their thoughts and memories about Mr. Hao's works, but we also welcome those who simply wish to attend.

Everyone is welcome to join us, so please feel free to attend.
We look forward to seeing you there.


The Painter II
In the same room, drawing side by side,
this was a familiar sight for me.

The person who painted every day,
　endlessly painting,
　 never sitting down.

　　　　Oil Painting, F10 Size, by Kunii Keiko

■ Audio from the "Tracing Zhou Hao's Footsteps" Gathering

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who attended the "Tracing Zhou Hao's Footsteps" gathering during the opening on Sunday, the 8th.

For 23 years, Zhou Hao inspired and moved many people. We began the event with a moment of silence in memory of his achievements and his warm personality.
First, the gallery provided an explanation of the background and overview of this exhibition.

Next, Ms. Keiko Kunii spoke in detail about Zhou Hao's work habits and the circumstances of his cancer diagnosis, which helped us gradually come to terms with the reality.
After that, Ms. Kunii thoughtfully introduced Zhou's photo albums from his student days, his favorite tools, sketches of his works, and his "box of inspiration," which sparked many of his ideas.

Following a 10-minute break, we transitioned into a tea gathering, where Mr. S, a participant, shared his memories of Zhou Hao and recited a touching farewell poem. We would like to express our gratitude for his contribution.

The content of this gathering has been divided into three parts and edited into audio recordings. Please listen to them below:


Audio 01: Explanation of the background and overview of the exhibition by the organizer (16 minutes, 7 seconds)
Audio 02: Talk by Ms. Keiko Kunii (37 minutes, 16 seconds)
Audio 03: Talk by Mr. S and others (45 minutes, 53 seconds)

ZHOU Hao

Biography, Selected Exhibitions and Public Collections

Biography

Zhou Hao was born in Shanghai, China, in 1960. From the age of six through his high school years, he spent approximately ten years living through the Cultural Revolution.

In 1983, he came to Japan as a privately funded international student. The following year, he entered the Department of Oil Painting at Musashino Art University. In his third year, he transferred to the newly established printmaking course, becoming a member of its first graduating class and studying lithography. During this period, his work gradually shifted toward abstraction.

At the same time, he encountered the Mingei philosophy of Yanagi Sōetsu, which made a profound impression on him. Through the writings of Suzuki Daisetsu on Zen, he also began to reconsider the classical culture of his native country. While reading works on Daoist thought, particularly Laozi and Zhuangzi, he developed a strong interest in contemporary art in both Japan and the West.

In 1987, he received a scholarship from the Koyama Keizo Foundation for the Promotion of Art and participated in the first Asian Art Student Residency Program, working in residence at the Shirakaba Museum of Art in Yamanashi Prefecture, with the support of Tokyo Gallery Yoshii.

In 1988, he graduated from the Printmaking Course, Department of Oil Painting, College of Art and Design, Musashino Art University. In 1989, he received a Japanese Government Scholarship from the Ministry of Education. In 1990, he completed the master’s program in printmaking at the Graduate School of Art and Design, Musashino Art University.

After completing graduate school, he joined MMG, a printmaking studio in Higashi-Azabu, Tokyo, directed by printmaker Yusaku Masuda. While working in plate preparation and printing, he continued to produce and exhibit his own prints. He left the studio in 2003 and thereafter devoted himself fully to his artistic practice.

In 2008 and again in 2010, through the introduction of Yusaku Masuda, he produced intaglio prints at Atelier Rémy Bucciali in France. In 2016, he participated in the LOVEART – Summer Artists Residence Project and worked in residence in Italy.

Based between Shanghai and Yokohama, Zhou Hao continued his artistic practice and presented solo exhibitions primarily in Japan and China, while also participating in international print exhibitions and art fairs in Japan and abroad.

He passed away in September 2023 at the age of 62.