Rappa-Shu (Trumpeter) XII 1959

Tadashi Nakayama made this print, Rappa-Shu (Trumpeter) XII, using color woodblock. The overlaid colors and textures feel so playful, like a recipe for how to make a painting. Nakayama's mark-making is all about revealing the process. Look closely, and you can see the evidence of the woodblock technique in the way the colors are applied. I love the way the black marks sit on top of the green blocky shape, creating depth and texture. Each mark feels intentional but also spontaneous, like a little dance on the paper. This piece reminds me a little bit of Joan Miró's playful abstractions, or maybe even some of the later work of Philip Guston, with its bold colors and playful forms. Ultimately, Rappa-Shu (Trumpeter) XII is a celebration of the endless possibilities of art-making, inviting us to see the world with fresh eyes and an open mind.