Reiger op besneeuwde boomtak 1925 - 1936

Ohara Koson created this print of a heron on a snowy branch, it is a serene and melancholic rendering of the animal perched amidst winter. Imagine Koson, in his studio, carefully carving the woodblocks. The scene emerges with each delicate gouge. What was he thinking as he worked? The muted palette of grays and browns creates a subdued, wintry atmosphere. The texture feels almost palpable, like the chill of a snowy day. The heron is a masterclass in economy of line. I think that the downward tilt of its head conveys a sense of quiet contemplation. A little like Whistler, Koson’s work is part of a larger conversation among artists across time and cultures. The influence of Japanese aesthetics is very obvious, especially in its ability to evoke emotion through subtle gestures. It reminds me that we, as artists, are always building upon what has come before, inspired by each other’s creativity, across generations.