Memories of Light Woven by Lines
Minako Ishikawa’s Technique and Philosophy
When standing before Minako Ishikawa’s work, one is first captivated by the sheer beauty of the colors. Yet stepping closer reveals an astonishing truth: these vibrant hues are born from the accumulation of countless fine lines. This very discovery lies at the heart of Ishikawa’s unique appeal.
Using a specially crafted small extruder, Ishikawa draws out acrylic paint in lines onto transparent acrylic panels. For each piece, she hand-mixes hundreds of different colors, drawing each line meticulously while controlling her breathing, maintaining steady pressure, and ensuring consistent thickness and direction. This extraordinary craftsmanship demands both intense concentration and meticulous technical precision.
Her technique is deeply influenced by her university studies in yūzen dyeing, where she was captivated by the process of applying intricate patterns onto fabric. Over time, the very act of “drawing lines” became the core of her artistic expression.
There is also ingenuity in her color choices. Ishikawa bases her palette on translucent shades close to the three primary colors—red, blue, and yellow—allowing subtle interactions between adjacent lines. The result is a delicate gradation so fine it is almost imperceptible to the naked eye. This approach serves to evoke the presence of transparent elements like air and water, imbuing her works with a refreshing clarity and depth.
At first glance, her methods may appear ascetic in their rigor, but beneath them lies a gentle gaze that seeks to capture the fleeting beauty of the world. Ishikawa’s works are masterpieces of technique, yet they never feel cold. Instead, they resonate with the warmth of her life philosophy and her tender approach to the world.
The “Wavelength Series” and Gradations of Hope
Minako Ishikawa’s long-running Wavelength series is a body of work centered on the theme of light itself.
The series began with the concept of visualizing the invisible light filling the air by decomposing it into a spectrum. Ishikawa views the rainbow as a symbol of diversity and hope, and in response to the daily news filled with sorrow and societal divisions, she began creating this series as a quiet yet firm means of conveying hope.
In the Wavelength series, thousands of fine lines are drawn onto transparent acrylic panels, each subtly differing in color. Together, they blend to fill the space with a soft, rainbow-hued light.
This series, too, is supported by Ishikawa’s extraordinary craftsmanship. Each line’s thickness and spacing are precisely controlled to allow the colors to merge naturally. From a distance, the lines meld into a smooth gradient; up close, one can discern the countless individual strands, once again revealing the artist’s relentless dedication and technical mastery.
Through her quiet, steadfast handwork, Ishikawa brings into view the invisible elements that exist within nature. Her tranquil practice promises to continue transcending both eras and techniques, quietly stirring profound resonances in the hearts of many for years to come.
Representative Director of Tagboat Co., Ltd.
Kenji Tokumitsu
