Imaginative Drawings in Monochrome

Finished

Artists

Toshio Okamoto, Kazuhiko Takahashi, Shin Tanukida, Koji Nishioka, Toshihiro Hirase, Yoshiteru Horiguchi, Toshiaki Yoshikawa

Depiction is an act that produces a visible form as well an act that produces no visible form. It can mean both to depict a figure with a tool on a flat surface using lines and to depict an image in one’s mind. To depict, as such, expresses an action broad in meaning. Monochrome, on the other hand, calls to mind creative expression using a single color or gradations. Limiting color does not limit expressive variation, however. Even when limiting expression to black and white monochrome, infinite differences can arise in an artwork due to the different media used and different drawer sensibilities. A transition from white to black can also involve a wide range of gradations, and slight shading in a picture displaying pure white or pure black will produce beautiful shadows and call forth an image in the viewer’s mind. Monochrome is profound and appealing precisely because it is simple.

This exhibition focuses on the unique expressive world of a limited monochrome color palette. Featured are works employing drawing tools such as charcoal, pen, and needle as well as works employing materials rarely used for drawing, such as wire, and works whose image emerges from inscribed words and icons.

Schedule

Jul 22 (Sat) 2023-Sep 24 (Sun) 2023