Sumo wrestlers 1899

Ogata Gekko created this woodblock print, Sumo Wrestlers, sometime between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The composition centers on two wrestlers, one hoisting the other in mid-air. The subdued palette and the scattering of cherry blossoms provide a serene backdrop, which sharply contrasts with the intensity of the wrestling match. Gekko masterfully employs asymmetry to create a dynamic tension. The dark-skinned wrestler’s imposing figure and the light-skinned wrestler’s arched body form a striking contrast, not just in color but also in texture. The artist cleverly incorporates a smaller inset scene showing spectators, creating a layered viewing experience. This hints at a Brechtian alienation effect, where the viewer is made aware of the constructed nature of the scene. This tension between action and serenity, combined with the interplay of textures and forms, challenges traditional notions of balance and harmony. The print serves as a site of ongoing interpretation and reflection.