A skilled printmaker can swiftly work an astonishing amount of detail into a linoleum block: textures, shading, designs, sigils, symbols. Tenjin Ikeda is such a talented printmaker that I am hesitant to ascribe any of the power of his work to the tools he uses. Through the power of symbols and an open line to the cosmos, is Ikeda summoning himself into being? As “Expressive Impressions in Linoleum” demonstrates, Ikeda is as devoted to the power of language and representation as any scholar. Tenjin Ikeda’s “Expressive Impressions in Linoleum” can be seen at 1978 Maplewood Arts Center through Feb. 25; visit maplewoodartsandculture.org.

Source: The Guardian February 14, 2024 19:21 UTC