Small Fishes 1890 - 1892

Editor: This is “Small Fishes,” created between 1890 and 1892 by Seki Shūkō. It’s done with ink and watercolor on paper, and it's currently held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. It has such a light and airy quality. What can you tell me about it? Curator: This piece reflects a fascinating moment in Japanese art history, the Meiji period. We see a shift away from traditional subject matter, though still rendered with classical techniques. Think about the context: Japan was rapidly modernizing, opening itself to the West, and artists like Shūkō were grappling with how to represent their changing world. How might the depiction of something as commonplace as small fishes relate to these broader cultural shifts? Editor: I guess it shows a new interest in everyday life, moving away from only depicting mythical creatures or important historical figures? Curator: Exactly! It demonstrates a turn towards the ordinary, finding beauty and interest in simple scenes. Moreover, consider the choice of medium – watercolor and ink on paper. These materials are inherently tied to traditional Japanese painting, yet the style feels somewhat looser, more expressive, perhaps influenced by Western artistic trends. Do you notice how the composition almost swirls, creating a sense of dynamic movement? Editor: Yes, the fishes seem to be caught in a current. Curator: That swirling motion could symbolize the currents of change sweeping through Japan at the time, the individual fishes representing the people navigating these turbulent waters. Editor: That's a really interesting way to think about it! I initially saw it as just a pretty picture. Curator: And that's perfectly valid! But by examining the social and historical context, we can unlock deeper layers of meaning and understand how this seemingly simple artwork reflects a complex cultural moment. Editor: Thanks, that really opened my eyes to a completely different way of looking at it. Curator: And understanding context allows us to see how artworks like “Small Fishes” participate in, and reflect, the broader socio-political conversations of their time.