Cross 1959

Kaoru Kawano made this woodblock print, Cross, with ink and paper. The dark palette and simplified form make me think of a quiet, meditative space. The figure is so still, their presence is like a shadow. The cross on their back is so subtle; a cross within a crosshatch. I want to know the story behind the cross. Is it a burden? Or a sign of belonging? The surface is rich with texture from the wood grain, each mark a testament to the artist's hand, revealing the physicality of the medium. Kawano's focus on texture and simplified forms reminds me of the work of Agnes Martin, whose minimalist paintings also invite a deep, contemplative experience. The beauty of art lies in its ability to hold multiple meanings.