In this mysterious painting, the scenery visible in the mirror is in color even though everything outside the mirror is in black and white. Inversion and repetition, which are common effects of mirrors, are also regular features in Kokuryo Tsunero’s paintings. He would often try to create visual rhythms through careful placement of young people in sand dunes. In this work, the mirror also serves as a tool for the woman to reflect on herself. It seems only natural that Kokuryo, who spent many years exploring the theme of loneliness, would turn to a mirror to suggest an inward focus. But with his contrasting use of color and black and white, this mirror also resembles a painting. Perhaps we can read into this work an attempt to re-examine the nature of his own art.
(MINAMISHIMA Ko)
In this mysterious painting, the scenery visible in the mirror is in color even though everything outside the mirror is in black and white. Inversion and repetition, which are common effects of mirrors, are also regular features in Kokuryo Tsunero’s paintings. He would often try to create visual rhythms through careful placement of young people in sand dunes. In this work, the mirror also serves as a tool for the woman to reflect on herself. It seems only natural that Kokuryo, who spent many years exploring the theme of loneliness, would turn to a mirror to suggest an inward focus. But with his contrasting use of color and black and white, this mirror also resembles a painting. Perhaps we can read into this work an attempt to re-examine the nature of his own art.
(MINAMISHIMA Ko)