Japanese Calligraphy is a unique art form in that it seeks to deconstruct and infuse existing linguistic elements into a physical expression of an idea. Yamaguchi had an idea to work on a set of words that have contrasting meanings but whose vertically-shaped characters compliment each other and the rectangular panels that house them. Choosing characters with this shape allowed her to focus the energy of the composition from the top of the panel to the bottom and beyond.
Traditionally, Japanese is read from right to left: from the right “静 (Stillness)”, and to the left “動 (Motion)”. For this piece, Yamaguchi chose warm black sumi, which, when mixed with the right amount of water, leaves behind hues of gray that illuminate the distinction between light and shadow. Stillness is clear, graceful and light; motion is blurred, dynamic and bold. Together, the world of light and shadow is completed,, and neither can exist by its own.
Original artworks were written with Sumi ink on gasen-shi paper, and wet-mounted on wood panels.
