Work JY5 1971

Editor: We're looking at Funasaka Yoshisuke's "Work JY5" from 1971. It's a fascinating print; the strong geometric shapes and the whimsical, almost childlike, colourful forms create such an interesting tension. What strikes you when you look at this piece? Curator: You know, it feels like a playful experiment, almost as if the artist is challenging us to find harmony within apparent contrasts. The stark black diamond clashes beautifully against the playful colourful motifs running down the sides, doesn’t it? The diamond could symbolize stability or even rigidity. But what of the off-kilter holes and the random dots? Maybe this is how Funasaka is trying to ask about control versus chaos? Editor: That’s a great point. I hadn't really considered the holes and dots as part of that dialogue. The whole image sort of feels… unstable. Curator: Exactly! Do you notice how the placement of the white dots within the black diamond seem almost strategically random? They pull the eye, preventing the large black form from dominating the composition completely, which then forces us to engage with the overall harmony… or disharmony. It reminds me a bit of a playful Japanese garden, seemingly random, yet meticulously arranged. Do you think Funasaka saw nature or a garden, too? Editor: I do now! It definitely softens the rigidity of the black diamond, the bright primary colors, they are happy and fun! I suppose it speaks to how art can subtly evoke feelings and stories we don't consciously realize. Curator: I'm so glad you mentioned feeling because "feeling" is at the crux of this abstract and joyous print. Ultimately, each viewer's personal narrative will determine how they receive the artwork! That is so very fun for me.