Japanese Brush Painting and Philosophy

Date January 25th, 2026 (Sun)
Time 11:30 AM - 1:15 PM
Location Nieuwe Instituut - Room 1
Duration 105 min.
Fee €85 (includes workshop participation + admission to the MONO JAPAN Fair 2026)
Included Ink, rice paper, and loaner brushes (Participants will take home their own painted Zen circle)
Max. participants 20 participants (Minimum 8 participants)
Ticket sales End on January 23rd (Fri) at 11:59 PM

*This workshop requires a minimum of four participants. In the event that fewer than four participants have registered, the workshop will be cancelled. Participants will be notified on January 24th, and all tickets will be fully refunded.

*Both English and Dutch speakers are welcome.

PLEASE NOTE

• Workshop tickets include admission to the MONO JAPAN Fair 2026 (no additional purchase of an entrance ticket is required).
• We warmly invite you to make the most of your visit by exploring the Supernova Hotel and the rest of the Nieuwe Instituut before and/or after the workshop! For details about the fair, visit here.

About this workshop

Sumi-e, the Japanese art of brush painting with black ink on rice paper, originates from Zen Buddhism and calligraphy. The meditative nature of this practice encourages a focus on the journey or the process rather than the final result.

No prior experience is needed, as Sumi-e is accessible to everyone. As Mieke Bouwens says, if you know how to breathe, you can practice the spirited art of Sumi-e. In this workshop, Mieke will guide participants through the basics and techniques, assisting them in creating their own unique work. Participants will soon discover the surprising insights Sumi-e offers. Circles, bamboo, reeds, birds, or clouds will slowly appear on paper, revealing themselves as drying self-portraits, showcasing the power of Sumi-e in quietly revealing what is mostly hidden.

About Opleidingsbureau Mieke Bouwens

Mieke Bouwens runs a school that trains actors and artists in Friesland. Her passion for Japanese brush painting has stayed with her throughout her journey, spanning one year at the design academy, four years of model painting classes, four years of Asian ink painting classes, and a master class at the Art Academy Friesland. After living in Asia for a year and immersing herself in oriental art and philosophy, Mieke became a dedicated practitioner of Sumi-e.

Opleidingsbureau Mieke Bouwens
Website l Workshop Ziel op Aarde & Papier| Sumi-e | Instagram | Facebook

Visit here for more information about the MONO JAPAN Fair 2026.