Summer Afternoon 1969

Tadashi Nakayama made this beautiful image, Summer Afternoon, using woodblock print. Woodblock is such a process-oriented medium; each color is carefully laid down and allowed to dry before the next is applied. I'm really drawn to the sunflowers in the print. They're bold and graphic, but also kind of dreamy. The patterns of the seeds are so intricate, like little jewels clustered together. And the way the petals radiate outwards gives them this explosive energy. It's interesting to see how he's used color and texture to create depth and dimension, especially in the hair, it's mesmerizing. When I look at this piece, I can't help but think of Gustav Klimt, especially his use of pattern and gold leaf. But Nakayama brings something totally unique to the table. Art is a conversation across time.