A Carp Ascending a Waterfall 1807 - 1891

Curator: What strikes you about this image? It's Shibata Zeshin's "A Carp Ascending a Waterfall," made sometime between 1807 and 1891. Editor: The intense verticality, definitely. The waterfall dominates, almost feels oppressive, doesn't it? And the use of ink creates such a stark contrast between the flowing water and the stillness of…well, the hopeful carp? Curator: Yes, and that contrast is purposeful. The carp, in East Asian iconography, represents perseverance and overcoming obstacles, ambition even. Its struggle against the waterfall is a visual metaphor for life's challenges. Editor: It's interesting to consider Zeshin’s choice of medium then—the limitations, the affordances. Ink wash demands a certain economy, a directness. Was it about streamlining production? Conveying raw struggle? Both, maybe? Curator: Well, his work belongs to the Ukiyo-e tradition, which did focus on accessibility and reproduction, yet, Zeshin elevated it by using unique materials and mastering various artistic skills. His skillful depiction, coupled with that cultural symbolism, aims for the viewers to reflect on aspirations. Editor: You're right, Ukiyo-e, the art of the floating world, now tethered to...struggle. And how that tension plays out on what appears to be a singular sheet. Was it one piece of paper, or joined? What size of brush did Zeshin deploy? Curator: It is so interesting how he masterfully created dynamic tension in such simplicity. Its seeming lack of detail requires viewers to complete the picture in their minds, thereby amplifying the emotional connection to it. Editor: Right, so we consider the materials, the symbolic freight…It does invite projection, doesn't it? One really has to work to engage this artwork. It doesn't yield its meanings passively. Curator: Absolutely, a simple scene imbued with rich, complex layers that transcend the mere visual representation. It makes you wonder, what are our own waterfalls to climb? Editor: Indeed. And, what does our own work leave for others to consider after the ink is dry, the water still, and the journey continues on its natural course.