Group of Egrets 1925 - 1936

Ohara Koson made this woodblock print called 'Group of Egrets' sometime between the late 19th and early 20th century. Right away I'm noticing how the white of the egrets really pops against the muted blues and greys of the background. It's like Koson is using color to orchestrate a visual symphony. The texture here is fascinating. Look closely, and you can see how the wood grain adds a tactile quality to the falling snow. The application of the color is so considered; there’s a real awareness of material, of the grain of the wood and the way it can be used to create a sense of depth and movement. Notice how the legs of the birds melt away, disappearing into the 'snow' at the bottom of the frame? Thinking about printmaking, it’s hard not to think about Hokusai, who was working a few decades earlier. Like him, Koson has the ability to capture a fleeting moment in nature. I love the way the egrets are huddled together; they invite you into their quiet, snowy world. It’s a reminder that art isn’t just about what we see, but how it makes us feel.