Nexus 1984

Nexus is a work made by Toko Shinoda, a female Japanese artist who navigated a male-dominated art world. Shinoda was deeply influenced by the destruction and rebuilding of Japan after World War II. The war's impact led her to explore abstract expressionism in her native calligraphy, moving away from traditional forms towards a more personal and interpretive style. You can almost feel the tension between the rigid structure and the fluid brushstrokes. This intersection reflects a negotiation between traditional Japanese aesthetics and the new artistic freedoms of the post-war era. The bold black strokes, intersected by decisive red lines, could evoke both conflict and connection. Shinoda once said, "I paint the space between things." Her art embodies the complexity and interplay of these relationships. It reminds us to reflect on our personal histories and how we are connected to each other.