Japanese artist Yuko Matsuoka lives in Tokyo where she is actively engaged with the Japanese Christian Art Association. This year the Association celebrates 31 years since its inception and its annual exhibition.
Yuko has been instrumental in organizing musical performances combined with an exhibition of artworks to raise funds for charities on several occasions. In 2005, Yuko and her vocalist and composer friend, Reiko Watanabe arranged a collaboration for an“Art and Music Show”to commemorate the 60th year since the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Three performances were held with the audience listening to the music and gazing at the artworks. “This has truly become a sacred place,”a minister remarked. “The comment of my paster friend brought a feeling of deep satisfaction,” Yuko said. “Both I and Reiko were deeply moved that we could bring about a sense of the wonder of human existence and the reality of God’s peaceful presence through our collaborative effort.”
For Yuko Matsuoka, music provides the inspiration for her paintings. It enables her to transport herself from the everyday happenings of a busy life to meditate on things spiritual. As she listens to music and gazes at the wonderful cloud formations and effect of the colours and light from the setting sun, she picks up her brush and begins painting.
She is a very compassionate person, concerned for those who suffer adversity. It is these people she has in mind as she reflects on the beauty of God’s creation and listens to music. “My aim is to bring encouragement and comfort to people by sharing my artworks with them.”
Yuko Matsuoka is a past president of the Asian Christian Art Association and remains a strong supporter.
August, 2006
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