Harmony 1950

Kaoru Kawano made this woodblock print, called Harmony, sometime before his death in 1965. Kawano lived through a tumultuous period in Japanese history. His work is influenced by the social changes and artistic experimentations after World War II. Harmony is a haunting image. At its center is a ghostly figure playing a flute. The black background heightens the sense of isolation, of the solitary musician finding solace in the sound of their instrument. There is a dreamlike quality, as if the figure exists in a space between worlds. The smooth, gentle figure is juxtaposed by two spiky cacti which could be interpreted as a symbol of resilience, of finding beauty and strength in harsh environments. Kawano created images of children and women throughout his career. These figures are often interpreted as embodying themes of innocence, vulnerability, and the search for inner peace. The title, Harmony, adds another layer, suggesting music as a means to find balance in a world marked by discord.