The Michigan Daily-Thursday, January 11. 1979-Page 5 AT THE ARTMUSEUM: So,S By ANTHONY CHEN Take a walk into the Art Museum and immediately you'll see, dominating the central floor, a large panorama depic- ting mountains, mist, and water: a typical landscape. Typical in subject, perhaps, but look again at the style: The two six-paneled screens which make up the panorama are almost en- tirely blank. How can just a few black brushstrokes convey a whole image of mountains, water, and clouds? If you sense the artistic majesty, you are wit- nessing the power of Japanese Sumi paintin, a style which captures form and light with just black ink, grey tones, and white paper. Our Western paintings typically feature color, and Americans generally consider color an integral part of any painting. The Oriental view of art, on the other hand, concentrates on form and composition. For example, con- sider the Oriental attitude to martial arts: The oriental thinks of martial arts as a discipline, and strives for perfec- tion of style; he does not consider it a, weapon nor does he strive to improve his killing capability. In many of the paintings in the exhibition, a simplicity and conciseness is evident: What few brushstrokes there are capture perfectly shape, ex- pression, and form. There are almost no fine, intricate lines (as in, for exam- ple, etchings) and, the brushstrokes are broad, simple, and free: They are an abstraction, meant to convey the im- portant impressions, and not necessarily to faithfully reproduce the real image. Stephen Adiss, author of the exhibition catalog, notes that each painting is "brushed with great sim- plicity, but with a purpose and meaning to every line," and although a painting "took a few minutes to paint. . . it also took eighty years to paint." Prime examples of the Sumi abstrac- tion are the .works by Hakuin Ekaku (No. 12 "Daito Kokushi as a Begging Mond" and No. 15 "Daruma") and Shosu Shoju (No 23 "Daruma" and No 24 "Daito Kokushi") at the far right corner of the main floor. In these pain- tings, there are few major strokes but they capture the thought in the crinkle umi. of a brow, the grace in the poise of a hand, the mystery in the look of an eye, and the balance and complexity in a stance. Much of the effectiveness and impact of the paintings rests on the actual technique. Sumi painting consists of grinding ink blocks, mixing them with water, and applying them with a bam- boo-and-hair brush. Many effects, in- cluding varying tone, are produced by adjusting the amount of water in the ink, on the brush, or on the paper. Although some of these Sumi techniques are similar to those used in Western watercolor painting, the skills and brushwork are different, and the approach - especially abstraction, which plays a central role - is totally different. For all those who have seen little or no Oriental art, here is a fine chance to experience something completely dif- ferent from the Western art which surrounds us. Even if you don't have much time, just take a moment to step into the Art Museum which is across State Street from the Union. Take in the panoramic screen and some of the hanging scrolls and then take another moment to look closely at the brush- and ink-work. The Sumi method deser- ves careful attention and patience. The Museum of Art has postponed the closing date from January 8 to January 14, and the exhibit will be open Monday to Saturday, 9 to 5 or Sunday 1 to 5. e re lookingfor afew good pens Have you ever been looking at a collection of Oriental Art, thoughtfully scratched your chin and said aloud, "I'd love to write a suc- cinct review of this show for the nearest student newspaper"? Perhaps once you noticed a hanbill, which advertised the appearance of a woman who claimed to know all the dirt on 'Porgy and Bess,' and ached because you wanted to write a preview story on just that event? Live in mindless frustration no more! The new Arts/Living editors are looking for writers with a critical eye and the energy to stay up late after a movie, play, or dogfight and scribble out opinions to an uninfor- med and longing public. There isn't a lot to learn, and soon you'll be flashing your press pass to baffled ushers, and remembering the days when you used to pay to watch entertainment. Flock to the Daily, 420 Maynard, right behind Helen Newberry, on Sunday, January 14 at 5:30 for an introductory discussion. Attire: Casual. . ANN ARBOR CIVIC THEATRE presents The food Person Of Szechwsnl by Bertholt Brecht Jan. 10--13 Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre $3.00 Special Student Rate. Wed. & Thurs. only CURTAIN 8 PM Poetry Reading with JOHN LUCAS, DAVID THADEN, and DAVID OLESHANSKY reading from their works THURSDAY, Jan. l1lth-7:30 ti GUILD HOUSE-802 A DMISSION FREE Mon roe "Virtue," painted by Hakuin Ekaku on paper, is one of the paintings currently on exhibit along with other works using the Sumi technique at the University Art Museum. ADMISSION FREE 'Porgy and Bess' candidly exposed "The components at Absolute Sound One of the world's foremost authorities on the opera Porgy and Bess, Eva Jessye, will speak and per- form at, a free public event titled "Porgy and Bess: A Candid Expose," this Sunday afternoon at 4:00 p.m. in the Pendleton Room of the Michigan Union. Jessye, a local resident, was selected by George Gershwin in 1935 to conduct the choral music for the production. Since that time she has participated in many major productions of the folk opera. She will be celebratingher 84th birthday at the event Sunday. Jessye will speak on her associations with famous composers, directors, and actors involved with productions of the opera. Sopramo Delores Ivory-Davis and bass Willis Patterson will perform music from the opera. There will also be a photo display of scenes and artists from Porgy and Bess performances. Jessye is the first black woman to have won international tribute for her direction of a professional chorale en- semble. The Eva Jessye Choir ap- peared in numerous Broadway shows and musical films. Besides her professional capacity as a director, Jessye is also a composer, actress, teacher and writer. She has been described by Andrew Young as a "wonderful woman, keeping alive our rich cultural heritage. Generations yet unborn will be grateful." CLASSES NOW FORMING FOR FEB. 3rd LSAT CALL or WRITE University L.S.A.T. Preparation Service 261-5728 in Livonia 33900 Schooltraft Rd. Suite G-2 Livonia, Michigan 48150 Eva Jessye Center For Afroamerican and African Studies NEW COURSES "Several friends told me I had to hear the Polk Audio speakers at Absolute Sound. Well, the Polk 10's really impressed me - and so did the people at Absolute Sound, especially the manager, Steve Sinelli. "At other hifi stores I shopped, I felt "pushed" towards certain products I didn't really want. At Absolute Sound I felt no pressure at all. They make honest recommenda- tions, turn on the music and let you decide what you want. The com- ponents at Absolute Sound are so good that they sell themselves. [----1---- -- Incredible Sound- Affordable Price Polk's Model 10 speakers are acclaimed by Absolute Sound customers and profes- sional audio critics alike for their superior performance. 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