Wataru Hatano 'A view from the window' 5

Dimensions: W 42cm x  H 52cm

Materials: Washi Paper on board 

Method:  Wataru Hatano's work is made from the Kurotani washi, a traditional Japanese paper. Washi is hand-made by first separating the inner bark of the plant and pounding it. This pounded version of the Kozo inner bark is added to a liquid solution and mixed with tororo-aoi (fermented hibiscus root), resulting in a paste-like substance. Each sheet of paper is made by spreading this paste across a su (bamboo mesh screen) evenly. Sheets are subsequently left to dry.

The paper is applied on a wooden panel acting as a canvas. It is then painted using a combination of pigment and acrylic resin, which is finished with fine liquid glass, making it waterproof. Each artwork is based on objects and colours inspired from things Hatano encounters through everyday life.

Care:  Keep out of direct sunlight, lightly dust 

Description:

This elegant wood panel and washi paper piece brings together a monochromatic palette harmoniously as a celebration of texture and tone. Presenting a predominately charcoal hue, crescent segments of white jut out from the edge of the composition, a larger crescent placed at the top and a smaller one subtly placed at the bottom right. The edges of the white are rough and speckle into the charcoal, with dots of white glistening throughout the composition. The charcoal is applied in a way that renders it multidimensional, varying in intensity and evoking a play with a rough surface and varying tones. What is created is an abstract composition that conjures up tranquillity and serenity.

About the Artist

Wataru Hatano who has been fundamental in promoting and developing the use of washi (traditional paper). Wataru Hatano studied oil painting at Tama Art University before moving to Kurotani in the northern Kyoto prefecture in 1996. The region has been central to washi (traditional paper) making for over 800 years and Hatano became very interested in its quality, deciding to train at Kurotani Washi to learn the skills of its production.