Fuji-San 1998

Alfred Freddy Krupa rendered this ink drawing, Fuji-San, on paper, its dimensions being 24 by 30 centimeters. The interplay between the stark black ink and the untouched white paper establishes the composition. The mountain, a solid mass, is mirrored below by a reflection in water, creating a balanced symmetry. Above, wisps of cloud frame the central peak, suggesting an atmospheric vastness beyond the immediate landscape. Krupa’s expressive use of line and form evokes the calligraphic traditions of East Asian art. Here, the artist destabilizes traditional landscape representation, reducing the mountain to its essential form. Brushstrokes vary in thickness and intensity, from the dense shading defining the mountain's shape to the light washes indicating the sky and water. This technique captures the ephemeral quality of nature. The drawing’s strength lies in its distilled essence. Each stroke contributes to a reading of the scene. The composition invites us to contemplate the relationship between form and void, representation and abstraction, encouraging a dynamic engagement with the artwork.