Snow Storm at Hatakudari 1946

Editor: This woodblock print is called *Snow Storm at Hatakudari* by Hasui Kawase, created in 1946. The overwhelming blizzard almost obscures everything. There are a few glowing windows, warm with light in the distance... it evokes such a sense of isolation. What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: Indeed. Beyond the immediate visual impression, consider the cultural memory embedded within this scene. Think of Japanese woodblock prints, ukiyo-e, and their role in depicting everyday life. Now, see how Kawase, even amid the trauma of postwar Japan, reaches back to these traditional forms, finding solace and continuity. Look at how the snow, almost a white noise, engulfs the buildings, and those warm, glowing windows - do they not represent resilience, the enduring spirit of home and community against overwhelming adversity? Editor: So, it's more than just a pretty landscape, it’s a symbol of perseverance? Curator: Precisely. Notice, too, the absence of people. This isn’t merely an oversight, I suspect. Rather, it asks us to project ourselves into that scene. What do you feel looking at this now? Editor: I think I understand…It’s about how people relate to the world around them, in both good and bad times, maybe finding peace even during a snowstorm. I’ll definitely view landscapes differently from now on! Curator: Yes, the ability of symbolic form to bridge us over any kind of perceived divide. I'm so glad it has left you thoughtful!