Harmony of Nature and Art

Marking the 30th anniversary of the sister-state relationship between Florida and Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, Harmony of Nature and Art: The Bridge of Spiritual Connection honors decades of cultural exchange, collaboration, and friendship. Established in 1995, the sister-state partnership is part of a broader global initiative to promote mutual understanding, cultural dialogue, educational collaboration, and economic cooperation between regions.

This exhibition brings together works by artists from Florida and Japan, including traditional Noh masks by master carver Hakuzan Kubo, netsuke miniature sculptures from the Frost Art Museum collection, paintings by the Florida Highwaymen, and works in a range of media by contemporary artists. Together, these pieces reflect the enduring spiritual and artistic heritage shared by both regions.

The works on view are drawn from institutional and private collections across Florida and Japan, underscoring the strength and reach of this cross-cultural partnership.

Organized by the Florida Department of State Division of Arts and Culture, the exhibition is made possible through generous loans from the Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum at Florida International University, the Morikami Museum, the University of West Florida, the Gulf Coast Kiln Walk Society, private collectors, and multiple divisions of the Florida Department of State.

From left to right: Hakuzan Kubo, Ou- Tobiide 大飛出, n.d. Hinoki wood and traditional materials used in nihonga: gofun, nikawa, and mineral pigments. Courtesy of the artist. Hakuzan Kubo, Shiwa-Jou 皺慰, n.d. Hinoki wood and traditional materials used in nihonga: gofun, nikawa, and mineral pigments. Courtesy of the artist. Hakuzan Kubo, Zou-Onna 増女, n.d. Hinoki wood and traditional materials used in nihonga: gofun, nikawa, and mineral pigments. Courtesy of the artist.