Morning at Mito Beach 1953

Hasui Kawase created this print, "Morning at Mito Beach," with the ukiyo-e woodblock technique. I can almost feel the artist's hand guiding the chisel across the wood, carving each line with precision and care. The colours are so gentle, like the first light kissing the water. I wonder what it was like for Kawase to stand there on the beach, the morning air crisp and cool. The artist looks at these boats resting on the shore, patiently waiting for the day to begin. The composition is so carefully balanced, with Mount Fuji in the distance, standing tall and majestic, a silent witness to the scene. It makes me think about the way artists from around the world look at one another’s art. I wonder how this image speaks to other painters. Each work starts its own visual conversation across time, a playful exchange of ideas. Ultimately, painting embraces uncertainty, open for multiple readings.