Year: 2021
Medium: acrylic, spray paint, aluminum paint on cotton mounted on wood panel
Dimensions: 162 x 130 cm (63 3/4 x 51 1/8 in.)
Acquired from KOSAKU KANECHIKA, 2022
On a background of extreme light and dark gradations descending from light to dark blue, the top and the bottom section are strongly divided by a horizontal, mountain-like ridgeline. As if the crust of the earth had been gathered to form a peak, the silver paint was probably carried gradually towards the center from the upper and lower side of the canvas. The strong undulation of the surface creates deeper shadows and more intense reflections of light. It is also often seen in Aoki’s works that the surface of the raised paint has been lightly spray-painted. Upon closer look, one can recognize the light green on the upper part, and blue on the lower. As viewers’ eyes get used to the colors, the two colors become gradually visible even though they are being overshadowed by the strong reflections of silver. The contrast of light and shadow, the brightness and darkness of colors, and the bold composition dividing the top and the bottom section. Aoki’s multilayered thoughts are all concentrated in a single painting.
