pic07281 Shuzo Ikeda

The artwork presents a stylized depiction of arboreal forms against a dense backdrop. Here we observe a central vertical element, likely representing a tree trunk or a large stem, rendered in shades of green and grey with distinct horizontal striations that suggest texture or growth rings. This central form is flanked by two darker, more monolithic masses, also exhibiting parallel lines, which could be interpreted as additional trees or perhaps stylized landscape features.
The foliage emerges from the central element; leaves are simplified into geometric shapes – primarily rounded forms – and arranged in a layered fashion. The color palette here shifts to muted greens and greys, echoing the tones of the trunk but with a slightly lighter quality. A small, circular form with a red accent is nestled near the top of the central stem, its purpose ambiguous; it might represent a flower, a fruit, or an abstract decorative element.
The composition’s overall effect is one of controlled order and deliberate simplification. The artist has eschewed naturalistic representation in favor of a more symbolic approach. The parallel lines throughout the piece create a sense of rhythm and repetition, contributing to a feeling of quiet contemplation rather than dynamic movement.
Subtly, theres an interplay between enclosure and openness. While the dark flanking forms suggest confinement or density, the upward reach of the central element implies aspiration or growth beyond these boundaries. The limited color range reinforces this sense of restraint and introspection. The work seems to explore themes of nature, structure, and perhaps a meditation on the passage of time as evidenced by the implied rings within the trunk.