KUWAI HANA

CANVAS BLACK DRAGON 01 / Black Dragon

*CANVAS BLACK DRAGON 01* is positioned as the inaugural work of the “DRAGON” series; its significance extends far beyond merely marking the beginning of a series, as it possesses a power that foreshadows the entire subsequent development. The “primacy of the first work”—a concept often highlighted in art history—namely the purity and irreversible tension inherent in a debut piece, is clearly evident in this work as well.

One of the most notable features of this work is the layering of paint, which consists of no fewer than 38 layers. These layers are not merely a physical accumulation; they represent the passage of time, a record of action, and function as a mechanism for generating visual depth.While each color remains distinct, they interpenetrate one another, resulting in complex and rich tones that could not be achieved by a single color alone. Although this color composition is left to chance, it ultimately achieves a high degree of harmony, blurring the boundary between the intentional and the unintentional.

In the creation of these works, the artist deliberately avoids intentional composition. Nevertheless, a clear flow and rhythm are present. This is determined by the traces of carving etched throughout the entire piece. These traces emerge not so much from the act of drawing as from that of carving; they destroy the surface while simultaneously revealing what lies beneath. One senses a movement driven by a force beyond conscious control—a sort of “invisible guidance”—giving the impression that the work has come into being autonomously.

This process stands in stark contrast to the constructivist approach found in traditional painting; rather, it should be understood as a continuous process of creation and discovery. Rather than receiving a finished image, the viewer re-experiences the traces of time and action that have settled deep within the layers. In this sense, this work is not only a visual art but also possesses a strong aspect of time-based art.

The fact that, at the time of its creation, the artist felt that “it would take a considerable amount of time to produce a work that surpasses this” speaks to the high standard this piece has achieved. This is not merely self-assessment, but rather an intuitive recognition of the work’s inherent density and irreversibility. Indeed, while this piece marks the starting point of the series, it already exhibits a sense of fulfillment that is close to a finished form.

《CANVAS BLACK DRAGON 01》 successfully integrates opposing elements—such as chance and necessity, destruction and creation, and individual will and invisible forces—on a higher plane. As such, this work serves as both the origin of the “DRAGON” series and a symbolic embodiment of its overall vision, occupying a position of great artistic significance.