100 YEARS: The imagination of Robert Crowder, Vralati, and Shoji Kuroda

The three faces of an artist that lived for a century

Robert Crowder, also known as Vralati & Shoji Kuroda, was a painter and printmaker who employed diverse styles to reflect wide cultural influences. Besides being a visual artist, he was also an accomplished musician, horticulturist, and poet. Among his literary publications are his autobiography titled My Lost Japan and his book of poems, The Blue Furoshiki, in which he investigated the emotional depths of his biographical experiences. His murals have decorated sets of many well-known Hollywood films from the 50s & 60s, and TV shows in the 70s and 80s, and Crowder wallpaper designs cover the halls of numerous luxury hotels throughout the world.

Mr. Crowder often painted in oils. He signed his floral still-lives, Vralati.

In the final years of his century-long life, Shoji Kuroda created his greatest achievement, a series of powerful byobu (folding screens) in traditional Japanese style. He called this project, The Endangered Birds of Japan.

An opening reception will be held on Sunday, November 13 from 2 pm 5 pm.

The Shumei Arts Council plans a special one-year memorial gathering for Robert Crowder, which will include a poetry reading and musical performance on Thursday, December 8, 2011 at 7:00 pm.

The music presentation will feature a very special violin made in 1745 by Fernando Gagliano that used to be played by Robert Crowder.