During his tour of Japan in April, Mackenzie Thorpe received an honorary professorship from Seisa University. Mackenzie has been a popular artist in Japan for a number of years and is holding a series of exhibitions across the country as part of his 30th anniversary world tour.  

Mackenzie was awarded with the professorship at a ceremony in Yokohama in recognition of his artistic endeavours and work with national dyslexia charity, Edge. The Middlesbrough-born artist spoke to guests about his journey from the shipyards of north-east England to becoming an international artist, how his working-class roots continue to influence his art, and the impact Yorkshire had on him with this year marking the 30th anniversary since he took a huge leap of faith and moved to Richmond and started trying to sell his work.

Mackenzie was awarded with the professorship at a ceremony in Yokohama in recognition of his artistic endeavours and work with national dyslexia charity, Edge. The Middlesbrough-born artist spoke to guests about his journey from the shipyards of north-east England to becoming an international artist, how his working-class roots continue to influence his art, and the impact Yorkshire had on him with this year marking the 30th anniversary since he took a huge leap of faith and moved to Richmond and started trying to sell his work.

He said: “In that moment I would never have thought that within a few years, I would be having exhibitions in Japan; as a child it seemed  an unreachable dream that I would ever get to visit this country.”

Mackenzie is dyslexic himself and told the gathered dignitaries it had spurred him on to become and artist.

“I’m dyslexic and so were members of my family. I used to sit in the classroom, scared of getting it wrong – you’re so isolated and lonely – so I drew pictures. The double-edged sword was, I drew better than everybody because that’s all I did. That’s what gave me the strength to go on. You don’t get it in books – you get it by living and doing it.”

“Whenever I visit this amazing country I can’t help but notice there is an almost immediate connection with my work, I think it’s because I draw from the heart, with honesty.”

“It was so exciting to receive the honorary professorship from Seisa University, they have bestowed a great honour on me during this year is a celebration.”

Mackenzie’s Japanese tour showcased new and recent works, including images from his official collection for the Tour de Yorkshire cycling race. The artist hosted a number of meet and greet events, sharing his uplifting story of triumph over adversity and the universal themes of love and hope which continue to inspire his art.

Mackenzie’s Japanese tour showcased new and recent works, including images from his official collection for the Tour de Yorkshire cycling race. The artist hosted a number of meet and greet events, sharing his uplifting story of triumph over adversity and the universal themes of love and hope which continue to inspire his art.