Makoto Fujimura 2011 Commencement Address at Belhaven University

Summary

In a moving speech to graduates, the speaker emphasizes the essential role of the arts in Christian education and humanity's resilience in the face of tragedy. Drawing from personal experiences in post-disaster Japan, they highlight the contrast between beauty and devastation, urging graduates to engage creatively with life's harsh realities. The speaker presents the concept of 'aroma' as a metaphor for hope and renewal, encouraging artists to awaken their senses and inspire change. Ultimately, they call for a proactive approach to creativity, asserting that art has the power to elevate the human experience and cultivate a better future.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The arts are fundamental to Christian higher education, representing a cultural necessity rather than a luxury.
• 🌸 Beauty and devastation coexist, as exemplified by the contrast between cherry blossoms and the aftermath of disasters in Japan.
• 💔 The impact of natural disasters can leave deep emotional scars, as seen in the experiences of those affected by the 2011 Japanese tsunami.
• 🖌️ Artists have a crucial role in navigating the complexities of human experience and expressing hope amidst despair.
• 📅 The phrase 'April is the cruelest month' highlights the tension between beauty and loss in our lives.
• 🧠 Creativity must engage with harsh realities to foster a culture of hope rather than cynicism.
• 🔄 Modern life is characterized by uncertainty and fluidity, requiring new frameworks for understanding our changing world.
• 👣 The act of creating is an essential part of living; true art invites deeper questions rather than providing simple answers.
• 🍽️ The aroma of everyday experiences, like cooking, can awaken memories and emotions, reinforcing our connection to reality.
• ❤️ Love is portrayed as generative, essential for creating a better world despite the chaos and despair surrounding us.

Q & A

What is the significance of the speaker's position at Belhaven University?

The speaker expresses deep gratitude for the honor of speaking at Belhaven University, highlighting the importance of the arts in Christian higher education. The speaker emphasizes that the arts are not a luxury but a necessity for defining civilization and restoring humanity.

How does the speaker describe the impact of the 2011 tsunami and earthquake in Japan?

The speaker recounts witnessing the devastation firsthand in Ishinomaki, Japan, after the 2011 disaster. The town was swept away by tsunamis, and many lost everything. The speaker reflects on the tragic loss, the ongoing suffering, and the volunteers trying to help, drawing a parallel between the destruction and the persistence of nature and beauty.

What literary reference does the speaker use to describe the dissonance between beauty and devastation?

The speaker quotes T.S. Eliot's 'The Waste Land,' specifically the line 'April is the cruelest month,' to describe the tension between the beauty of cherry blossoms and the harsh realities of the ongoing disaster in Japan. The juxtaposition highlights how beauty can be painful amidst suffering.

What role do the arts play in responding to a broken world, according to the speaker?

The speaker argues that the arts play a crucial role in engaging with the brokenness of the world. Rather than offering easy answers, art poses deeper questions and invites viewers to confront harsh realities, using creativity and love to rebuild and restore hope.

What is the significance of the speaker's use of traditional Japanese materials in their artwork?

The speaker uses traditional Japanese materials, such as pulverized precious minerals like gold, silver, and platinum, to symbolize the process of refinement and transformation. The process of turning raw materials into beauty mirrors the challenges faced by individuals and cultures as they navigate suffering and growth.

How does the speaker describe the concept of 'liquid modernity'?

The speaker references sociologist Zygmunt Bauman's concept of 'liquid modernity,' where societal structures and beliefs are constantly shifting and unstable. This uncertainty leads to a lack of solid foundations, resulting in widespread cynicism, despair, and paradigm shifts across various fields, including the arts and politics.

What does the speaker suggest is a risk for many people, especially in Japan, in the face of such devastation?

The speaker warns that many people, particularly in Japan, may succumb to despair in the aftermath of disasters, potentially leading to increased rates of suicide. The challenge is to teach individuals to hold onto hope, resist cynicism, and actively work towards creating a better world.

How does the speaker define true art in today's world?

The speaker argues that true art does not simply seek novelty but engages deeply with the human experience, awakening our senses and inviting us to engage with a deeper reality. Art should pose questions, not offer easy solutions, and reflect a longing for a world that transcends the brokenness of the current one.

What is the 'aroma of the new' and how does it relate to art?

The 'aroma of the new' refers to the transformative power of art to awaken a sense of hope, love, and creativity in the face of suffering. It is the sensory experience that invites us into a greater reality, pointing toward what is to come rather than being trapped in the present despair.

How does the speaker connect the arts to spiritual and religious themes?

The speaker connects the arts to spiritual themes by referencing biblical stories, such as the anointing of Jesus by Mary of Bethany, and by highlighting how art reflects the sacrificial love of Christ. Art is seen as a way to experience and anticipate the new reality of God's kingdom, where beauty and love transcend suffering and despair.