Miwa Komatsu at the Sacra di San Michele in Sant'Ambrogio di Torino

On Saturday, August 1st at 6:00 PM, the Sacra di San Michele will become the stage for a live painting performance by Japanese artist Miwa Komatsu, at the heart of an international project that explores some of the most significant sites dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel in Europe through the universal language of art.

The initiative is part of the celebrations marking the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Italy and Japan, further strengthening cultural dialogue between the two countries through a journey that intertwines contemporary art, spirituality and historical heritage.

The event is held under the patronage of the Sacra di San Michele, the Consulate General of Japan in Milan, the Italy–Japan Foundation, the Municipalities of Sant’Ambrogio di Torino and Chiusa di San Michele and the Oriental Art Museum Mazzocchi in Coccaglio (BS). The performance will be moderated by Professor Paolo Linetti, Director of the Oriental Art Museum Mazzocchi.

Following the live painting held in November 2023 at the Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey in Normandy, where one of the works created was officially donated to the city of Mont-Saint-Michel, Miwa Komatsu now arrives at the Sacra di San Michele to create a new work inspired by the spiritual energy of the site. In continuity with Mont-Saint-Michel, the works created at the Sacra di San Michele and at the Sanctuary of Monte Sant’Angelo will be donated to their respective sites.

For Miwa Komatsu, live painting is not a traditional performance, but an act of creative prayer. Painting arises from listening to the spirit of the place and transforming its spiritual energy into visual form, creating a shared experience with the audience. At the end of the performance, the artwork will be donated to the Sacra di San Michele, becoming part of the sanctuary’s heritage as a permanent testimony of this encounter.

Komatsu’s artistic vision, defined as The Great Harmonization, is based on the belief that all living beings share the same spiritual essence. Her Devine Spirits (guardian lion-dogs (komainu) are universal symbols of protection and harmony, transcending cultural and religious boundaries and creating a dialogue between the visible and the invisible worlds.

Among the most recognized voices in contemporary Japanese art, Miwa Komatsu is included in the permanent collections of the British Museum in London, the Simose Art Museum, the Nagano Prefectural Art Museum, as well as numerous temples and shrines in Japan. Her works are also part of the collection of the city of Mont-Saint-Michel and have been exhibited in major international institutions.

With the Sacra di San Michele stage, the project strengthens cultural dialogue between Italy and Japan, as part of the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations, presenting art as a universal language capable of connecting traditions, spirituality and shared heritage.

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Municipality of Sant'Ambrogio di Torino - Sant'Ambrogio di Torino

Sacra di San Michele - Sant'Ambrogio di Torino