Style of the Dancer 1700 - 1749

This woodblock print, *Style of the Dancer*, was created by Nishimura Shigenobu in Japan between 1729 and 1739. Immediately, one notices the vertical composition, dominated by the figure of a tall woman in elaborate robes. The restrained palette, primarily creams and yellows, enhances the detailed patterns adorning her garment. Consider the interplay between line and form. The fluid, curvilinear patterns create a sense of movement. The composition is structured by the contrast between the large, vertical form of the woman and the smaller, adjacent figure. These contrasting forms destabilize traditional notions of scale and proportion. Shigenobu masterfully employs the semiotic system inherent in Japanese art to engage with the visual and cultural codes of his time. The patterns and motifs symbolize ideas, status and cultural values. It is an invitation to reflect on the ongoing negotiation between tradition and innovation in art.