Details

Kuniyoshi emigrated to the United States from Japan as a teenager, rising to prominence in the New York art world during the 1920s to become one of the most esteemed artists in the U.S between the two world wars. He drew on American folk art, Japanese design and iconography, and European modernism to create a distinctive visual style. Kuniyoshi defined himself as an American artist while at the same time remaining very aware that his Japanese origins played an important role in his identity and artistic practices.

An acrobat is shown wearing a mask as he prepares for a performance. His arms are raised, while one hand holds a ribbon much in the manner of a painting brush. He is standing on his right foot with the other balancing a rather large ball. His performance is kept behind an enclosed fence while a series of carnival tents are shown in the background. 

This striking and haunting composition is considered the artist’s last printed work. Rendered in shades of gray, the mood of the composition is bleak, while the mask’s likeness reflects a resigned or defeated appearance. It is interesting to consider this print was produced at the time of the artist’s final bout with cancer. Many have considered this work a self-portrait and is modeled after a painting of the same design. The work bears a partially obscured number 4 at the bottom right of the composition. In Japanese culture, the number four has long been associated with death. 

Connoisseur's Note

This work was produced by the Art Students League of NY in an edition of 235 impressions. The print is signed in pencil by the artist at the lower right in the margin.