Global Fusion

The Samurai Soul Series, Takenori Kiikuta

We're going global from Tokyo to Ghana this week as the Summer Collective wraps up at the gallery.

On display are the dense acrylic paintings of Takenori Kikuta. who recently moved to the city from Tokyo.  His paintings range from the mystical to art full of pop culture images such as his series, The Samurai Soul.

"Do you know about the black Samurai," asks musician Kobena Aquaa-Harrison. 

Aquaa-Harrison, who is originally from Ghana, is the non-stop energy behind Afrika Djelly. On Saturday September 7 he will be at the gallery for a live music performance that will be full of the sounds of guitar, djembe drums and the talking bono drums.

Kikuta, who enjoys the performance art of live painting, will also be at the gallery on September 7 to paint as part of the jam session. As well as the music and live painting the evening will include a studio tour. It's African music meets Japanese painting.

The event is a fundraiser in support of the Sesia pan-African arts project.  Based in Ghana, the aim of the project is to connect artists from around the globe.  We are all linked by music, food and culture, says Aquaa-Harrison.

Takenori Kikuta's paintings will be on display at the gallery from Saturday August 31 to Saturday Sept. 7.  Find out more about his work at www.ekakikuta-bamboo.com.

Afrika Djelly jam sessions happens Saturday September 7.  Doors open at 8pm. Tickets are $10 at the door.