Combing in the Bath (variant) 1929

Torii Kotondo made this image, Combing in the Bath, in Japan using woodblock printing, with its delicate lines and muted colours. It’s all about a process of layering, carving, and printing. The image has this amazing, soft texture, almost like it's been kissed by the paper. You can see this most in the skin tones of the bather. It's not just one flat colour, but a mix of pinks and creams that give it depth. The background is more atmospheric - is it fog? Water? Who knows. Look at the way the hair falls – thick, black, and shiny – but with individual strands that catch the light. The way Kotondo uses simple tools to create such intricate details really shows the beauty of the everyday. He reminds me of Manet in that way. Ultimately, these images exist in a space of conversation and reflection. The conversation isn't about answers, but about ways of seeing.