Untitled 1962

This is an untitled abstract print by Shigeru Izumi, created sometime between 1950 and 1990. Izumi was a Japanese artist whose life spanned much of the 20th century, during which Japan underwent radical transformation and, of course, the aftermath of WWII. Looking at this work, it’s hard not to think of the ways in which identity is fractured in the modern world. Izumi uses stark, black ink to create an image full of contrasts and movement. The bold strokes create a sense of disruption, as if traditional forms are being broken apart and reassembled. There's a tension between chaos and control, reflecting the complexities of post-war Japanese identity. What does it mean to rebuild after the unimaginable? How do you find yourself again? The lack of a clear subject allows us to bring our own experiences to the work. This print becomes a space where personal and collective histories intersect, challenging us to find meaning in the midst of abstraction.