A screen colored with accumulation of points – when looking closely at the works of Yozo Hamaguchi (1909-2000), a copper-plate artist, it can be seen that small points are gathered together to form the surface of colors. At a glance, the surface looks like painted with a brush to put paint, it looks thick and heavy but somewhat soft to touch. When looking carefully at that screen, you will be able to follow the passion Hamaguchi put on his work.

A technique called color mezzotint, which Hamaguchi explored – after carving innumerable burrs (scratches) for packing ink onto the surface of the copper plate, burnish the burrs in order to depict the pattern, and make 4 such plates for yellow, red, blue, and black – takes tremendous time and effort. In the color that spreads quietly in the works, there are countless traces carved by the hands of Hamaguchi.

In this exhibition, about 45 copperplate prints are exhibited together with the enlarged details of the works. Please enjoy the mysterious form of “shellfish” and a soft texture of “red yarn”, which can only be seen by way of enlarging manyfold.

Please listen closely to the little voice recited by the serene work and the sounds forming the depth of sensibility.