Splendid Working (Functioning Arises from a Pure Heart) 

Here we see a work by Keido Fukushima, made with ink on paper. Fukushima's work beautifully demonstrates how the material qualities of ink and paper influence the overall aesthetic of the artwork. The ink, fluid and viscous, allows for a range of tonal variations and gestural marks. Applied with a brush, it creates strokes that vary in thickness and intensity. The texture of the paper also plays a crucial role, as its absorbency affects how the ink spreads and dries, creating subtle nuances in the lines and shapes. This piece reflects the rich tradition of East Asian calligraphy, where the act of writing is not just about conveying meaning but also about expressing the artist's spirit and energy. The tools and techniques are simple, but the level of skill and discipline required to master them is considerable. Such works invite us to look beyond the symbolic meaning and appreciate the deep connection between materials, process, and cultural expression. They blur the lines between craft and fine art, emphasizing the importance of skilled making.