Nasanunaka Possibly 1913 - 1919

Shunyo Yanagawa made this small painting of a bird, ‘Nasanunaka,’ with paper and printing ink, and it feels like such a private, intimate act. I imagine Yanagawa mixing the ink, maybe on a cold morning, considering the blues and greys that make up the ground of the painting. It’s almost like they mixed a personal sky and a personal pond just for this one bird. What do you think it must have been like to be so close to this image as it emerged?   The stark yellow of the bird’s legs is so direct, such a strong color. It makes the bird seem a little vulnerable, exposed in the water, almost like an awkward teenager. The texture feels smooth and matte, and the lines are simplified, creating a sense of calm and stillness. I’m interested in the dialogue between the bold colors and pared-down shapes, and how the simple form manages to communicate so much. It's a reminder that painting is a conversation, an exchange of ideas across time, and we keep inspiring each other.