Mother's Love Shōwa period,

Editor: Here we have "Mother's Love" by Kaoru Kawano. The woodblock print uses a limited palette to depict a mother cradling her child. What strikes me is the stark contrast of light and dark. How do you interpret this work? Curator: I'm particularly interested in the woodblock technique itself, a process deeply rooted in craft and labor. Consider the artist's deliberate choices in carving, in the selection of each color. How does the materiality of the print affect its meaning and the way it is consumed? Editor: That’s interesting. I hadn't considered the labor involved so directly. Curator: And notice the social context. Prints were often more accessible than paintings, bringing art to a wider audience. This simple scene becomes part of everyday life. We can see the means of its production as an integral part of the artwork. Editor: I see what you mean. Thank you. Curator: My pleasure.