Way of life

manami tokuda

Opening Reception | 2024 SEPT 25, 5:30PM - 8:30PM

2024 SEPT 26 - 29 | Wednesday - Friday ,1PM - 7PM. Saturday - Sunday, 1PM - 6PM.

39 Keppel Rd, #03-10 Tanjong Pagar Distripark, Singapore 089065

brief

Japanese calligraphy artist Manami Tokuda presents her latest solo exhibition at INSTINC Space, WAY OF LIFE, a deeply personal exploration of life’s journey through the lens of her unique artistic practice. This exhibition reflects on themes of time, identity, and self-reflection, capturing the artist’s perspective on the complexities and beauty of living.

In her own words, Tokuda explains, "WAY OF LIFE means the way I live my life." The title of the exhibition is inspired by a phrase she encountered in a novel several years ago, where the main character lived her life with pride and without regret. Tokuda resonates with this sentiment, as she contemplates her own experiences and choices. She reflects on the passage of time, acknowledging that while the past cannot be changed, it’s what we do moving forward that truly matters.

"There are good days and bad days — that's life," says Tokuda. Her exhibition showcases this duality, as she embraces both the struggles and successes of her journey as an artist. Having practised calligraphy since childhood, she admits to moments of both love and frustration with her craft, yet her passion for creation endures.

Through WAY OF LIFE, Manami Tokuda invites viewers to reflect on their own paths, while celebrating the resilience and determination required to continue moving forward. Her calligraphy embodies this message, merging tradition with personal expression to create a body of work that is as meditative as it is impactful.

BIO of Artist

Manami Tokuda

Born and raised in Japan, Manami began creating calligraphy artworks in 2021. She graduated with a major in calligraphy from Niigata University, Japan.

In front of her works, she often hears, "I can't read the cursive letters, so I can't understand them." She reflects that when people view her artworks, they often see them as abstract designs or paintings. Realizing that many people couldn’t read the calligraphy, she was inspired to transform her works into shapes like leaves, flowers, and wrapping bags, drawing from familiar objects close to her.

She has a passion for *waka*, traditional Japanese poems that use 31 characters, and experimented with incorporating them into her *washi* series.

Instagram: @manami_shodo