MAN IN BLACK AND WHITE 

Curator: Katsukawa Shun'ei's woodblock print, simply titled "Man in Black and White," presents a striking figure from Japan's Edo period. The work is now held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: He looks deeply displeased. His scowl and the tight grip on his sword convey a sense of contained fury. Curator: Indeed. Notice how Shun'ei uses bold, contrasting patterns in the man's kimono. The interplay of circles and squares creates a visually arresting effect, emphasizing the sitter’s presence. Editor: The kimono itself speaks volumes. The deliberate layering and embellishments suggest status and power within a rigid social hierarchy. We must consider who this man might be, and what societal pressures formed him. Curator: Perhaps. I'm more drawn to the delicate blossoms overhead, providing a counterpoint to his stern countenance, and how they demonstrate Shun'ei’s mastery of line and form. Editor: Ultimately, the work evokes a complex interplay of personal emotion and public identity. Curator: A captivating example of the tensions inherent in portraiture and visual representation.