The Sea 1937

Koshiro Onchi made this print called "The Sea", and it’s like a poem written with shapes and textures. The palette is muted – sandy browns, quiet blues, and touches of red that pop like sea glass. There's a real sense of touch here, and it feels like Onchi wasn't just depicting objects but really getting into the gritty, grainy essence of the beach. Look closely, and you'll see how the textures vary, some areas are smooth, while others have this lovely rough quality, almost like you can feel the sand. Take that starfish: the way the red pops against the beige of the sand, it almost feels alive, like it could scuttle off the surface. Onchi’s process feels like a conversation. It reminds me a little of Joan Miró, with its playful arrangement of forms. And, like any good conversation, it leaves you with more questions than answers, which, in art, is always a good thing.