Flow
by Ansei Uchima
- Date:
- 1955
- Medium:
- Color woodblock print
- Edition:
- Self-printed
- Source:
- Art Institute of Chicago
Description
Flow (1955) is a color woodblock print that abstracts the movement of water — or air, or time — into pure visual rhythm. The title names a process rather than a thing, directing attention to the dynamic quality of the composition rather than any fixed subject. Uchima's early prints from this period show him developing the abstract vocabulary that would define his mature work, moving away from representational imagery toward compositions organized by movement, color temperature, and the physical texture of woodblock printing. Each carved line and printed tone in Flow serves the sensation of continuous motion rather than descriptive detail.
More Prints by Ansei Uchima
More Rivers & Lakes Prints
Lake Chuzenji, Nikko (Nikko Chuzenjiko)
Nikko Chuzenjiko
1930
Color woodblock print; oban
Lake Kugushi in Wakasa Province (Wakasa Kugushiko), from the series Souvenirs of Travel I (Tabi miyage dai isshu)"
Wakasa Kugushiko
1920
Color woodblock print; oban
Gosai Canal in Niigata (Niigata Gosaibori), from the series "Souvenirs of Travel, Second Series (Tabi miyage dai nishu)"
Niigata Gosaibori
1921
Color woodblock print; oban
The Hori River at Obama (Obama Horikawa), from the series "Souvenirs of Travel, First Series (Tabi miyage dai isshu)"
Obama Horikawa
1920
Color woodblock print; oban
Featured in Collections
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Frequently Asked Questions
Flow was created by Ansei Uchima (内間安瑆) in 1955.
Flow depicts rivers & lakes and abstract.