“Scratching” is what is called the distinctive technique of Asano Yae. In the beginning of the process, the canvas is layered with the thick, white paint. And the next, the white paint-covered surface is drawn lines with a sharp, pointed object such as stylus, nail, drill, or needle. After a sufficient dry, the surface is applied the matte black paint. The concave remains black whereas the convex displays a controlled tone due to a certain degree of wipeout. In the present work, it is white and bright in the upper part; the lower we move down our sight, the dimmer it looks as if a scene of the shady trees at dawn or at dusk, or of clusters of buildings shrouded in the mist. One scratch maintains 1.5 centimeter on average. If we neglect the dim tint in the lower part, the density of the crossed lines seems fairly balanced throughout the painting. Moreover, each line slightly curves, imparting a soft sense of human being instead of an unemotional, robotic operation.

It was executed in 1962 based on the sign on the back of the canvas. It was a period that the “scratching” technique was established as well as a phase that Asano concentrated on making his art after resigning from the bank in the late 1950s. It is a work revealing that Asano faced his own art making in the attitude of enthusiasm.

Asano Yae (yoga painter; 1914−1996)
Mie-born yoga painter. After graduation from middle school, became friends with Noda Riichi and acquired knowledge of Western modern art. Sent to the front three times during the war time. Worked as the chief director of a financial institution while practicing painting in the postwar era, later resigned from the post. Pursued abstract expression by the method of layering short scratched lines. Based in his hometown Suzuka all his life. Appointed to Aichi University of the Arts guest professor. Designated as a Person of Merit of Mie prefecture.