5 works
Last Snow おわりの雪
Recommended by Nikki (Fine Print Photographer / Marketing and Digital Content Specialist):
Obata’s piece is delightfully charming. It’s as though I am looking through a window I wiped condensation off of to better see the snowfall outside. A pet dog is even reflected in one of the streaking, water droplets. The winter scene feels comforting and cozy, complete with a tiny bird flying around the dormant trees in the snow.
Moving House Fish
Recommended by Catherine (Collections Specialist):
Wuon-Gean Ho's colorful linocuts are full of charm and story-telling. This particularly charming piece depicts a fish moving to a new home, seemingly with the help of another fish friend. The bold palette of primary colors and cute expressions call to mind an illustration from a children's book, while the objects the fish has chosen to bring with them increase that feeling of innocence and whimsy. I especially love the potted plant, the toothbrush, and the bicycle (Who doesn't love the image of a fish riding a bicycle?). Looking at this piece reminds me to find the fun and delight in life's new chapters and adventures.
Survivors of Summer
Medium: Color mezzotint
Dimensions: 7 3/4 x 7 inches (image)
Signature: Signed
Artist details: American, 1948
Date finished: 2005
Edition: AP
Recommended by Nikki (Fine Print Photographer & Content Publisher):
Peter Jogo’s mastery of color mezzotint never ceases to amaze. He expertly replicates sharp angles of light refractions in the glass vase of water, while simultaneously capturing the soft glow of light reaching us from behind the delicately overlapping flower petals. Rather than relying on the stark black and white of most traditional mezzotints, Jogo effectively employs the triadic harmony of purple, orange, and green to tie the full composition together. As summer winds down, this beautifully portrayed bouquet of cut flowers reminds us to enjoy the last rays of sunshine before fall arrives.
In the Hand
Medium: Woodcut
Dimensions: 7 1/2 x 7 1/4 inches (Blocks) 10 1/2 x 9 1/2 inches (Sheet)
Signature: Signed
Artist details: Japanese, 1940
Date finished: 2008
Edition: of 35
Recommended by Rebecca (Gallery Manager):
"Tetsuo Aoki is a master of illustrating people, relationships, and emotions. This woodcut in particular speaks volumes about the world today. The figure's back is arched in order to put their head in their exaggerated hands. The posture speaks to the angst and despondency of the main figure, as does the darkness of the ink. Meanwhile, through the gap we can see other people walking by as if all is normal. In the Hand is a small and intimate woodcut that mirrors how I feel while overwhelmed by these tragic events."
Yucca Plant
Medium: Woodcut
Dimensions: 12 x 8 inches (image) 17 1/4 x 11 1/2 inches (sheet)
Signature: Signed
Artist details: American, 1987
Date finished: 2019
Edition: of 10
Recommended by Emma (Marketing & Communications Manager):
"I'm delighted and pleasantly surprised by how lasting an impression this graphic yucca print has left on me since first seeing it. The vertical format, rich black gradient, and unexpected use of negative space are simple and satisfying. There's nothing to overthink and everything to enjoy. It's incredibly charming how Spitzack has taken an ordinary subject and made such striking imagery with it."
