"During Japan’s Edo period (1615–1868) the phrase "the floating world" (ukiyo) evoked an imagined universe of wit, stylishness, and extravagance—with overtones of naughtiness, hedonism, and transgression. Implicit was a contrast to the humdrum of everyday obligation. The concept of the floating world began in the Japanese heartland, migrated eastward, and came to full flower in Edo (present-day Tokyo), where its main venues were popular Kabuki theaters and red-light districts. Each offered an array of rich sensory experiences to the fraction of the populace able to partake of them directly. The floating world also afforded vicarious pleasure to countless others throughout the Japanese islands, for whom it was experienced second-hand through theater, song, story, gossip, and pictures." - Khan Academy
The Red Pavilion's "Floating World" series provides a space for creatives to come together and revel in each other's artistry. In a feast for the eyes, featured artists will take the stage and perform unique long-form tableaux for guests to study and enjoy.
On April 7th, Masae Satouchi will join us for the first installment of Floating World with a special long-form Geisha Transformation performance. Satouchi is the owner and instructor at the New York Kimono academy and an internationally renowned performing artist. Hailing from the Shiga prefecture of Kyoto, regarded as the cultural capital of Japan, Satouchi comes from a long line of 27 generations of noble Samurai. Today, she lives in NYC and shares her passion for Japanese culture through her teachings at NYKA and her live Kabuki performances under her other company Hannari Entertainment.
In the Kyoto dialect, "Gei" translates to "Art" and "Sha" translates to "person," so there could not be a more perfect performing artist to launch this program with.
Different disciplines welcome - illustrators, sculptors, photographers, poets, fashion designers & culture enthusiasts alike. Whatever your medium, please bring your own materials. We will provide your muse!
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