LAS VEGAS (December 11, 2019) – Renowned Japanese calligraphist and artist Sisyu is the new resident at the Artist Studio at Bellagio. Since opening in 2018, the Artist Studio has offered guests the opportunity to observe works in progress first-hand while providing a focused, inspiring environment for artists to create new pieces.

During her residency, Sisyu will showcase her talent in bringing Japanese calligraphy into modern forms by creating two new works that combine traditional and contemporary art styles. Through a practice guided by what she calls the “soul of language,” one work will feature a H?-? (phoenix), which symbolizes the foreshadowing of a new age. The second work will be a painting of Buddha imagined in his current spiritual form, exemplifying how Sisyu takes historical symbols and doctrines and reconfigures them to investigate the concept of Zen.

Known for pushing the boundaries and conventions of traditional artform, Sisyu’s work has been officially recognized by the Japanese government for her contributions to artistic and cultural production. Though classically trained in the art of shod? (Japanese calligraphy), she incorporates other mediums such as live calligraphy performances accompanied by music. Her works often begin by building upon singular characters from Japanese writing systems until they surpass their original meanings. With an exhibition history including the 2011 Venice Biennale, Sisyu’s work has placed Japanese calligraphy in conversation with a global cultural audience.

“Japan has a rich history of artistry and craft, so it’s fascinating to see these methods displayed and expressed in new contexts,” said Tarissa Tiberti, Executive Director of MGM Resorts Art & Culture. “Sisyu’s works embody a sense of joy, wonder and calm. It’s an immense privilege to host an artist that takes classical forms to new artistic territories with such precise mastery and skill.”

Guests are invited to view Sisyu’s work at the Artist Studio at Bellagio now through January 25, 2020. The Artist Studio is located adjacent to Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art (BGFA).

About Sisyu

Born in Japan, she dedicated herself to creation ever since she started “Sho” (calligraphy) at the age of six.

She then moved to Tokyo and started her professional career as a calligrapher. Her creations inherit the traditional “Sho” and express the transition from the past to a new age of “Sho” with a new perspective. Using calligraphy, Sisyu has established herself as an artist in Japanese calligraphy and she has expanded this by incorporating them into other art forms such as sculptures, media arts, and paintings. This comes in forms of etched iron calligraphy, and her latest artwork adds calligraphy etched in glasses to the collection. This has evolved into a grander scale that combines sculptures, lights, and shadows. Through this work, Sisyu symbolizes the Japanese soul of “Zen” and is consistently projecting this art form to the world.

About Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art
Located at the heart of the elegant Bellagio Resort & Casino, Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art is Las Vegas’ premier exhibition space – where great art goes on vacation. Since opening in 1998, the gallery has presented exhibitions of artworks and objects drawn from internationally acclaimed museums and private collections, including Primal Water: An Exhibition of Contemporary Japanese Art; Samurai: Armor from the Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller

Collection; I Am The Greatest: Muhammad Ali; Town and Country: From Degas to Picasso; Yousuf Karsh: Icons of the 20^th Century; Picasso: Creatures and Creativity; Fabergé Revealed; and Warhol Out West.

About MGM Resorts Art & Culture

MGM Resorts Art & Culture focuses on commissioning, collecting, supporting and presenting contemporary art in and around MGM Resorts’ destinations globally. Currently the MGM Resorts Art Collection includes more than 800 pieces by over 200 artists.

MGM Resorts Art & Culture was established in 2016 to encompass all of MGM Resorts’ collections and varied art-related initiatives and partnerships to develop a comprehensive, multifaceted arts program. Reflecting the company’s core values of inclusivity and diversity, MGM Resorts Art & Culture aims to create special, accessible experiences for all audiences. Each project thoughtfully considers the artist, the environment, and the overall experience, recognizing the power of art to evoke emotion, engage the senses, and spark conversation. Art is prevalent throughout MGM Resorts distinctive world-class brands including Bellagio, ARIA, Vdara, MGM Grand, and Delano Las Vegas; as well as MGM National Harbor outside of Washington, D.C., MGM Springfield in Massachusetts, and internationally at MGM MACAU and MGM COTAI.

Examples include works by Alice Aycock (National Harbor, Maryland), Jenny Holzer (ARIA, Las Vegas), Antony Gormley (ARIA, Las Vegas), Maya Lin (ARIA, Las Vegas), Robert Rauschenberg (Bellagio, Las Vegas), Nancy Rubins (Vdara, Las Vegas), James Turrell (ARIA, Las Vegas), among many others.

For more information, please visit the MGM Resorts Art & Culture website and YouTube page.

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