Fisherman 1602 - 1674

Kano Tan'yū created this ink on paper work, "Fisherman," sometime in the 17th century. The composition is dominated by horizontal lines of the sky and water, creating a sense of serene expansiveness. This tranquility is subtly disrupted by the diagonal line of the boat's pole which draws our eye across the work and introduces a dynamic tension. The monochromatic ink palette emphasizes the formal qualities of line and form. Notice how the varying densities of ink wash create depth and atmosphere. Tan'yū's brushstrokes are economic, yet highly descriptive, capturing the essence of the scene with minimal detail. The semiotic interplay between emptiness and form evokes philosophical notions of Zen Buddhism. The artist uses suggestion to provoke contemplation on the relationship between humanity and nature. Ultimately, it is the interplay of line, space, and ink that constructs a scene imbued with both tranquility and a subtle, underlying tension. This tension invites ongoing interpretation of our place within the natural world.