Snow at Mukojima 1931

This woodblock print of Mukojima in the snow by Hasui Kawase makes me think about what it's like to experience the hush of a snow-covered landscape. There's a quiet intensity, a kind of hushed awe, as the flakes fall and settle on roofs and boats. The composition here is just amazing, with the dark blues of the water contrasting against the pristine white of the snow. You can almost feel the cold seeping into your bones. I can imagine Hasui Kawase carefully carving each block, layering the colors to create this depth of feeling. He was part of the Shin-Hanga movement, which tried to revive traditional Japanese art with a modern take. Look at the details, like the light glowing from the window of the house – it brings a sense of warmth and human presence to the scene. And the boats, all lined up, waiting for the thaw. I can just sense the weight and stillness of the winter season. Like so many artists before and since, he’s found a way to make something really beautiful out of the ordinary.