Quietness - Yodo Vol.2 1933

Unichi Hiratsuka made this woodblock print called 'Quietness - Yodo Vol.2', and wow, it really speaks volumes! It's all about the bold strokes, carved with a real sense of process. The black ink is laid down in such a way that every mark feels deliberate and powerful. It's not just a picture; it's a physical thing, with a surface that invites you to trace the artist's movements. I’m drawn to the way the texture adds depth, making the whole image feel alive and present, right there in front of you. See those little jabs of black between the roofs of the buildings? Each one adds to this sense of contained energy and tension. It reminds me a bit of the German Expressionist printmakers, like Kirchner or Heckel, though Hiratsuka's got his own distinct voice. He’s inviting us to slow down and tune into the stillness, even amidst all this visual noise, isn't it great?