Girl from Taiwan 1933

Fujishima Takeji painted Girl from Taiwan with oil on canvas, and what strikes me is his immediate, straightforward approach to painting, the way he's so clearly enjoying the process of putting paint on the surface. Look closely, and you'll notice how the brushstrokes are visible and full of energy, especially in the background, where blocks of blue and red frame the subject. The paint application varies – from the smooth, blended areas of her face to the textured, almost sculptural strokes defining her dress and the surrounding space. This contrast creates a dynamic surface that keeps your eye moving. I love how he captures the light on her face with soft pinks and whites, giving her a gentle, almost melancholic expression. This kind of directness reminds me of someone like Manet, who also wasn't afraid to show the process of painting. It’s like Takeji is saying, "Here’s the person, here’s the paint, and here’s how I see them, all at once."