In de Kannon tempel in Asakusa 1932

This woodblock print depicts the Kannon Temple in Asakusa, and you can really feel Eisho’s approach to artmaking as a process when you look at it. I love how the textures of the lanterns and the building are rendered with these subtle variations in colour and tone. The paint isn't thick, it is transparent, so you can see the layers of colour, especially if you look closely at the ceiling. The light filtering through the lanterns, the shadows cast by the roof, all of this creates a depth and complexity that speaks to the material aspects of the work. The flock of birds feels like a symbol of freedom or escape. It reminds me of something Matisse might have done, using simple forms to capture a sense of movement and energy. Ultimately, art is an ongoing conversation, full of ambiguity and open to endless interpretations.