Light Time 1915

Koshiro Onchi's "Light Time" is a woodblock print utilizing vibrant red ink and stark white space to evoke a sense of luminous energy. The central motif resembles a diamond or star-like form, framed by petal-like shapes, suggesting an abstracted flower or perhaps a cosmic entity. Consider how the diamond or star motif often symbolizes enlightenment or a guiding light. This visual metaphor can be traced back to ancient cultures, reappearing in religious iconography and heraldic emblems, each time imbued with renewed cultural significance. Take, for example, its presence in medieval stained glass, where light transforms into divine presence, or in Renaissance emblems of personal virtue. The radiating petals, reminiscent of mandalas, further emphasize the theme of expanding consciousness. This interplay between form and color taps into a collective memory, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. "Light Time" reminds us that visual symbols are not fixed entities but rather evolve, transcending time and carrying cultural memory forward.