Fête 1997

Toko Shinoda’s abstract work titled ‘Fête’ presents a dynamic interplay of shapes and textures. The composition is anchored by a solid black rectangle, its starkness softened by the textured planes that intersect it. Notice how this rectangle is contrasted by thinner planes in graded shades of grey, creating a sense of depth. The deliberate balance of these elements evokes a feeling of controlled energy and movement. Shinoda's work blends traditional Japanese calligraphy with the aesthetics of abstract expressionism. Her brushstrokes are not just lines but carriers of energy, each stroke bearing the weight of intention and chance. The single red mark cuts through the composition, disrupting the tonal harmony and inviting a deeper reading. Shinoda engages with the modernist dialogue on the relationship between form and content. By destabilizing traditional forms, she asks us to reconsider how we perceive space and meaning in art. 'Fête' captures a moment of visual celebration, a dance between control and freedom, tradition and modernity.