Page from Hagoromo (Feathered Robe) c. 1984 - 1986

Curator: Matsubara Naoko's print, titled "Page from Hagoromo (Feathered Robe)," immediately strikes me. What a flurry of angular shapes and two-tone coloration—it's almost jarring but in a strangely appealing way. Editor: Absolutely. This piece feels like a powerful statement on the intersection of traditional Japanese art and modern abstraction. The Hagoromo tale, often symbolized as a celestial being, speaks to themes of loss and transformation. Curator: Yes, and the bold shapes almost obscure any literal depiction of that celestial being, don't they? It's as if the essence of the dance, the sheer force of its narrative, is what takes center stage. Editor: Indeed. The dynamic interplay of blue and red forces us to confront how cultural narratives are both preserved and radically reinterpreted over time, often reflecting societal shifts. Curator: I love that idea, how art keeps these very old stories alive while whispering new, urgent meanings into their forms. Editor: Precisely, it's this dialogue that keeps our understanding vital and responsive.