Year: 2014
Medium: paint on canvas
Dimensions: 120 x 160 cm (47 1/4 x 63 in.)
Acquired from SBI Art Auction, 2022
“Direction” is a series that has become representative of Nawa’s two-dimensional works. It involves pouring ink onto a canvas that is affixed to the wall at an angle of 15 degrees (clockwise). The parallel lines, drawn without deviation and the use of a ruler or a machine, are a visualization of the universal force of gravity. The fact that these lines were obtained through gravity, however, is cleverly concealed by the 15-degree tilt. This is because the lines that had descended vertically at the time of production, as a representation of gravity, are inclined by 15 degrees (counterclockwise) when mounted as the finished work. Although subtle irregularities that are caused by the volume of ink poured or by chance indeed have become apparent when one looks closely at the surface of the canvas, these very irregularities are ultimately subordinate to the intensely powerful vertical orientation, conveying the tremendous gravity, an irresistible force. This work does stand out as it was produced on a silver base, which is rare for the series.
