Chrysanthemum and Paulownia 1909 - 1910

Kamisaka Sekka made this Chrysanthemum and Paulownia artwork, and looking at it, I’m really struck by how he let the materials do their thing; it’s all about the flow. See how the ink is allowed to bleed and merge, creating soft edges and subtle gradations? The paint application is very flat, especially in the petals and leaves, but still the interplay of matte surfaces with the gold veining gives the piece a real depth. The texture is smooth but the choice of paper gives it a tactile quality. These material elements invite us to slow down and appreciate the beauty of imperfection and impermanence. The shapes are so well-balanced between positive and negative space, it reminds me of the prints of Hokusai. And, like Hokusai, Sekka reminds us that art isn't about answers, it’s about the ongoing conversation, the endless possibilities of seeing and feeling.