Arrived Wind 

Toko Shinoda created this abstract print entitled ‘Arrived Wind’ using sumi ink, a traditional East Asian ink that's been used in calligraphy and painting for centuries. Born in Japan in 1913, Shinoda came of age during a period of rapid modernization and Westernization. While she embraced abstract expressionism, she remained deeply rooted in Japanese calligraphic traditions. Her work reflects a negotiation between these two worlds, and between the traditional expectations of Japanese women and a desire to participate in global currents of contemporary art. Shinoda’s approach to abstraction might be seen as a subtle critique of the established art world, both in Japan and the West, as she challenges conventional notions of representation and artistic identity. To understand Shinoda’s place in art history, we can consult exhibition catalogues, critical reviews, and her own writings. Only then can we appreciate how her art both reflects and challenges the socio-cultural landscape of her time.