I N T R O D U C T I O N

Many of Haruyo's paintings hail from her deep appreciation of the style, flamboyance and drama of Kabuki theatre. Thus to truly appreciate and enjoy Haruyo's art an understanding of some of the special characteristics of Kabuki is necessary. Haruyo herself trained for many years as a Kimono painter under rigorous schooling.

This training naturally imbued her with many of the design skills, displayed in her art, which are so obviously redolent of a unique national heritage.

Kabuki may have begun as an unruly infant, however it is very much part of mainstream Japanese culture today. Contemporary productions have become more realistic, ie less stylistic, but still rely upon the cultural legacy of the Edo period. As a source for Haruyo’s exotic and detailed image of the Kabuki theatre offers limitless inspiration, and celebration of the joy Haruyo finds in this very special art form.