Conservatory I Possibly 1962

Curator: This is "Conservatory I" by Matsubara Naoko, part of the collection at the Harvard Art Museums. It measures about 39 by 29 centimeters. Editor: My first thought is this feels almost claustrophobic, yet vibrant. Like a secret garden overflowing its boundaries. Curator: Naoko’s use of the woodcut medium creates a striking contrast, playing with light and shadow within this dense, botanical scene. Editor: Exactly! The deep blacks carve out these almost rhythmic patterns. I keep searching for a hidden creature, a lost gaze. Curator: Considering Naoko’s broader body of work, this print echoes themes of nature reclaiming urban spaces. The conservatory becomes both refuge and symbol. Editor: Perhaps a reminder that even within structured spaces, life finds a way to burst forth, messy and beautiful. It makes me think of childhood adventures. Curator: It's a compelling tension, and the print invites us to consider the ongoing negotiation between nature and culture. Editor: Absolutely. It's a reminder that wildness persists, even when framed.