Butterfly 

Curator: Here we have Koshiro Onchi's print, titled "Butterfly." It appears to be a linocut and stencil print with a distinctly modern aesthetic. The artist’s signature is visible in the bottom corner, hinting at his involvement with the creative process of Sōsaku-hanga movement. Editor: My first impression is a playful tension. There is an abstract arrangement here. The butterfly is almost dissected, split between stark geometry and naturalistic form, the color palette quite striking against the background. It also evokes Japanese design principles. Curator: Absolutely. The stark contrasts certainly catch the eye. Onchi's use of black, white, and muted blues, paired with what appears to be a rose-colored leaf imprint, draws upon traditional ukiyo-e color palettes but updates them with abstraction. Editor: I find it so interesting how Onchi isolates natural elements like the butterfly and a single leaf alongside geometric blocks. What do you think he is trying to do? The bi-section of the butterfly calls out ideas of disjunction between nature and culture, representation and abstraction. It reads as a social commentary about modern life and disconnection from nature. Curator: Well, we can consider the political and art historical context of Onchi’s work. He sought to champion individuality in art, pushing against rigid academic training and traditional art forms, especially during a time when Japan was modernizing and negotiating its identity on the world stage. His efforts had lasting implications on printmaking of his time. Editor: It feels so progressive when seen from today’s art landscape! Looking at this, the visual disjunction reads as intentional friction. A reflection on the disruption of nature perhaps. This print speaks volumes about identity, visual representation, and the shifting socio-political ground that it was conceived on. Curator: I agree; I find the work so insightful within its historical and artistic moment. It's remarkable how "Butterfly" transcends time. Editor: Precisely! It really stays with you, doesn't it? This exploration of abstraction paired with symbolism opens avenues for so many conversations.