Untitled 1964

Atsuko Tanaka made this untitled painting, and it's a wild explosion of color and energy. Look at how she’s laid down these vibrant reds, blues, and greens. There's a sense of freedom here, like she's letting the paint lead the way. You can almost feel the movement in those swirling lines and circles. The paint looks applied quickly and instinctively, with drips and splatters adding to the sense of spontaneity. It’s not trying to be neat, it is embracing the messiness of the process. The big red circle at the top feels so bold and confident, like a declaration. It reminds me a little of some of the abstract expressionists in New York, like maybe a slightly more pop-y take on Jackson Pollock. But Tanaka is very much her own thing, pushing the boundaries of what painting can be. It's a painting that invites you to just dive in and get lost in the energy of the marks.