Together 2011

Editor: Here we have "Together," a drawing in ink by Kazuaki Tanahashi from 2011. It’s…striking, actually. The heavy black calligraphy on the white paper feels both ancient and very modern. It has weight and presence. What's your take on this, seeing as you've encountered countless pieces? Curator: You know, it tickles my soul in a particular way, and I find that’s always a good start. This character for 'Together' isn't just about physical proximity; it vibrates with interconnectedness. Tanahashi, through his Zen practice, distills so much more into a single brushstroke. Imagine the control and freedom necessary to create that swoop! Don’t you almost feel the artist’s breath held as he lays it down? Editor: I see what you mean about breath. There's something very embodied in it, beyond just the visual. So, is it meant to be meditated on? Curator: Oh, absolutely. I find myself reflecting on its meaning, the simple idea of togetherness. I also consider that brushstrokes don’t lie. Every hesitation, every surge of confidence, is recorded. So maybe we should also think about how 'together' we truly are—both with each other, and even with ourselves. Editor: I hadn't thought about the brushstrokes like that before. It's almost like a Rorschach test. The drawing feels simpler at first glance but then blossoms with possible meaning the more I look at it. Thanks, that makes a big difference to my perspective. Curator: Exactly! Art’s that whisper waiting for you to hear it. Never lose your curiosity, and the work reveals new stories with time. Keep digging; there's always something deeper beneath the surface!