Chicagoans will have less than one month to see more than 100 rare Buddhist artworks when The Vision and Art of Shinjo Ito opens at the Chicago Illuminating Company April 8 through May 1. This exhibit is part of a landmark world tour commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of Shinjo Ito, a prominent Japanese artist and revered Buddhist grand master.
Artwork on display includes Shinjo Ito’s most prominent sculptures, photographs, engravings, calligraphy, installations and other artifacts, including a show-stopping, 16-foot, gold-colored sculpture of a reclining Buddha. The special centennial collection includes works outside of the religious sphere, such as busts of significant people in Shinjo Ito’s life and archival photos.
“Shinjo Ito created devotional images based on a personal interpretation of scriptures, combining elements of traditional Buddhism with a fresh, modern approach,” said Hiroko Sakomura, curator and general director of the exhibition.
Shinjo Ito founded the Shinnyo-en Buddhist denomination, which has one million followers worldwide. Chicago is the only Midwest stop for traveling exhibition of The Vision and Art of Shinjo Ito. The exhibit is presented free of charge to visitors by a prestigious committee of Buddhist experts, academics, art curators and Shinnyo-en leaders.