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Nature and Life from
"Tsukuhae" 1914 FUJIMORI Shizuo (Fukuoka/1891-Fukuoka/1943) woodcut on paper 20.8x12.0cm Fujimori was born in Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture. "Tsukuhae," a collection of poetry and woodblock prints which he published with his classmates ONCHI Koshiro and TANAKA Kyokichi while still a student at the Tokyo Art School, is not only his first work but also his most important work. It is also highly regarded as a monumental achievement in Japanese modern printing. This collection of poetry and prints dealing with the subjects of love, sex, life and death is an "engraved record of youth" and sure to make a strong impact on the younger generation of today who are immersed in material civilization. This print, which appeared in "Tsukuhae," is characterized by a dynamic composition and suggestive use of color. The night train about to enter a tunnel which seems to represent the severities of life and nature might possibly be a representation of the artist himself at age 23. |