About Hokuto Awaji

Hokuto Awaji is a visual arts creative based in Japan mainly involving the artwork of Norman Mathieson from the UK. As a graduate of Glasgow School of Art and the MFA at Duncan of Jordanstone in Dundee, Norman Mathieson’s roots were at one time firmly placed in the UK - working as the master screen printer and later, workshop manager at the Glasgow Print Studio. Around this time he was involved in a number of overseas residencies. One of which resulted in his relocation to Japan.

For the past two years Norman has been building up a body of work using various drawing medium including graphite and charcoal on paper. There is a mixture of ideas and motifs found in Mathieson’s recent work which has developed into a series of animated drawings. Part of this process involves stand alone drawings that form the base for the animations.

At present Norman is working on his third movie. Titled Dizygotic, it tackles themes of growing up, identity and shared experiences.

His work is in the collections of the Vaasa Museum, Finland, Grampian Hospitals Trust in Aberdeen and North Tyneside.

Biography and Exhibitions

Norman Mathieson

20th February 1966

BA(Hons) Glasgow School of Art (1987-1991)

MFA Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art (1992- 1993)

Selected Group Exhibitions:

Scottish Portrait Awards (2021)

Mansfield Park Gallery (2020)

Nagasawa Art Park, Kyoto Arts Center (2013)

Royal Academy Summer Exhibition (2005)

Royal Glasgow Institute (2004)

Cymroza Art Gallery, Mumbai. (2003)

Royal Overseas League, London (2003)

Scotland House, Brussels (2003)

Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh ( 2002)

Royal Glasgow Institute (2002)

Scotland House, Brussels (2000)

Purdue University Gallery, Lafayette, Indiana. (1999)

22nd Lublijana Print Triennial, Slovenia. (1998)

Osaka Print Triennial. Japan (1998)

4th International Biennial of Graphic Art, Gyor, Hungary (1997)

Sky Harbour Art Gallery, Phoenix, Arizona. (1997)

Solo Exhibitions:

Glasgow Print Studio (1998)

Awards and Prizes

Armour Award Royal Glasgow Institute (2004)

Sasakawa Foundation Award (2003)

Scottish Arts Council Award (2003)

British Council of India Art Award (2003j

Royal Glasgow Institute Art Club Fellowship (2002)

Edition Prize, Scottish Print Exhibition, Glasgow (1996)

Artists Award, North Tyneside (1996)

Norman Mathieson lives in Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan.