Curatorial notes
Toko Shinoda created "Tamayura" using traditional sumi ink, known for its rich blacks and subtle greys, on paper. Shinoda's abstract expressionism merges the ancient discipline of Japanese calligraphy with modern abstraction. The sumi ink, ground from a solid stick with water, determines the artwork's appearance. This process requires immense control, as the ink's consistency affects the flow and texture of each stroke. The deliberate brushstrokes and the varying tones of the ink imbue the work with depth, revealing a strong sense of materiality. The artist engages with a skilled tradition rooted in East Asian art, which also belongs to the histories of creative practices and aesthetics, alongside that of fine arts. By emphasizing the ink's inherent qualities, Shinoda challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, elevating the act of making and the cultural significance of the materials to the forefront.
