Fulling Silk 1909 - 1910

Kamisaka Sekka made this print of ‘Fulling Silk’ some time between the late 19th and early 20th century, using woodblock and ink. The colours are so restrained, muted even, as if the artist is describing something remembered. Look at the almost translucent quality of the inks, layered to build up the image. The texture of the paper comes through everything, and this becomes part of the picture. The ink has a watery quality, pooling in some areas and leaving delicate trails in others. The even, grey surface in the background is activated by these tonal variations. There is a softness to the whole image that feels really contemporary, even though it was made over a hundred years ago. I’m reminded of the paintings of Agnes Martin, particularly in the way that subtle variations in tone and texture can create such a powerful sense of depth and space. Like Martin, Sekka understands that less can be more, that art can be about feeling and sensation rather than just representation. It's art as experience.