Mei 1905 Possibly 1905

Asai Chû made this small print of swimming frogs in May 1905, and it’s a beautiful example of how a simple color palette and clean mark making can make a big impact. The blue of the water feels thick and viscous; it's like a pool you could get lost in. The white lines create a sense of movement, drawing your eye down into the depths, where you can just make out the silhouettes of more frogs, lurking beneath the surface. But it’s the frog leaping out of the water that really grabs my attention. The way Chû has captured its form, the curve of its back, the splay of its limbs, is so full of life. It’s a single moment, frozen in time, but it speaks to the endless cycle of life and renewal. It reminds me a little of the work of Edvard Munch, especially in the way it uses simple forms to evoke a sense of mystery and unease. Like all the best art, it leaves you with more questions than answers.