Tree Trunks 1967

Curator: At first glance, this is intense. I see such an incredible texture, almost tactile in its graphic form. Editor: Indeed. This print, "Tree Trunks" by Tanaka Ryohei, is found here at the Harvard Art Museums. Looking closer, we can see the meticulous detail he has captured in the bark. One can almost smell the forest. Curator: Trees are ancient symbols of life, strength, and connection to the earth. I wonder what memories these forms evoke. The way the dark background enshrouds them suggests something primal. Editor: And think of the labor involved in creating such fine lines. The etching process, using acid to bite into a metal plate, requires careful control of the materials and immense patience. Curator: It feels almost reverential. It speaks of nature's enduring presence. Editor: Yes, but rendered through the skilled hand and tools of a printmaker. I appreciate the way the artist has transformed natural forms through industrial processes. I find myself appreciating the way this etches a memory in my mind too.