Man and Woman 

Yasu Kato made this print, “Man and Woman,” using a technique that is both very old and very modern: lithography. The directness of the lithographic mark is on full display here. You can see the textures of the drawing itself. The artist used greasy tusche ink on a prepared stone or metal plate. The resulting image combines the sharp definition of line drawing with wonderfully atmospheric effects, especially in the darker areas of the composition. It is remarkable that this process, which dates to the late 18th century, lent itself so well to an image that evokes something primal, an origin point. Kato seems to have appreciated that tension. With just a few simple materials, the artist has tapped into deep questions about humanity’s beginnings. Ultimately, it is through understanding the materials and making, that we can understand the full meaning of this artwork.