The artwork titled “Usuyuki (ULAE 227)” was created by Jasper Johns, a notable figure associated with the Abstract Expressionism movement. Whilst Johns’ practice encompasses a range of styles and is often associated with Neo-Dadaism and the transition to Pop Art, this abstract work reflects the broader characteristics of Abstract Expressionism through its emphasis on spontaneous, automatic, or subconscious creation.
“Usuyuki” is a term from the Japanese language, translating to “light snow.” In viewing the artwork, one observes a tapestry of hatched lines that intertwine and overlap in a seemingly random yet harmonious manner. The artwork utilizes a muted, almost pastel color palette that conveys a soft and delicate ambiance, perhaps resonating with the lightness and ephemeral quality of snow referenced in the title. The composition is divided into three distinct panels, which jointly present a unified visual field of dynamic and intersecting linear elements. The repetition and variation of these marks suggest movement and fluidity, drawing the viewer’s eye across the canvas in a continual dance of color and form.
