Kolganzen, vliegend in de sneeuw 1900 - 1910

Ohara Koson created this print of geese flying in the snow at an unknown date with woodblock print in colours. The way that the flat surface has been built up through layers of transparent colour feels so contemporary. You can really see the thinking behind the process. The light in this piece is really something. It's hard to describe, but it feels like the geese are glowing from within, and the snowflakes are almost iridescent. If you look closely, you can see the way the ink bleeds into the paper, giving the impression of movement, like the birds are really in flight. I think this is a really beautiful example of how a simple image can be so evocative. The blank space and subtle gradations of tone almost give the impression of watercolour. There is a similar atmospheric quality to the work of Whistler, with the focus on capturing fleeting moments. It reminds us that art is not about capturing a fixed reality, but about creating a space for imagination and interpretation.