HARUYO MORITA

The artist Haruyo Morita studied both Japanese art and kimono design, and she combines these with elements of her own Western-influenced technique. (She travelled to London in 1977, exactly the year I first came to Tokyo.)

Many of Haruyo's paintings hail from her deep appreciation of the style, flamboyance and drama of Kabuki theatre. Thus to truly appreciate and enjoy her art, and understanding of some of the special characteristics of Kabuki are necessary. Haruyo herself trained for many years as a Limono designer under the rigorous schooling of the Master, Hasuki. This training naturally imbued her with many of the skills displayed in her art, which are so obviously redolent of a unique national heritage.

Morita is her family name: she follows the tradition of signing - and sealing - paintings with her given name only.