Gratitude 

Toko Shinoda, who lived to the remarkable age of 107, made this abstract sumi ink drawing, titled "Gratitude." Shinoda, who came of age in Taisho-era Japan, navigated a world in transition, where traditional values encountered modern ideas. As a woman artist, Shinoda had to challenge entrenched gender norms in the male-dominated art world. She sought to forge her own path, consciously stepping away from traditional calligraphy while still respecting its essence. Here, stark black brushstrokes intersect with delicate red lines, creating a dynamic tension. Shinoda described her work as "expressions of my inner feelings," and we can see a tension between boldness and subtlety. Her unique style blends the discipline of calligraphy with the freedom of abstract expressionism. "Gratitude" offers a glimpse into the complex negotiation between tradition and modernity, and challenges conventional expectations about what it means to be a woman artist.