Across the center of this work, numerous crater-like circles, reminiscent of bullet holes, are scattered. It appears as if black smoke is still smoldering here and there. Ink lines suggesting forceful motion create the impression of a fierce wind blowing.

In Ishikawa’s previous works, the artist usually chose the text first, the content of the text then informing the character of the artwork. However, for this 2023 piece, Ishikawa began with an image fixed in his mind and composed the text to align with that image. Since September 11, 2001, Sunny, Ishikawa had experimented with working from his own texts. Now, he reversed the process, allowing the character of the calligraphy to define the text and constructing the flow of words accordingly.

Amidst a European War, prompted by the onset of the war in Ukraine (referred to as “European War”), reflects Ishikawa’s thoughts on the sad fact that wars seemingly never cease. It is one of the many works that embody Ishikawa’s intent to engage with and challenge the present of his time.

Ishikawa Kyuyoh (calligrapher; b. 1945)

Born in Fukui Prefecture, Japan in 1945. Graduated from the Faculty of Law at Kyoto University. After serving as a professor at Kyoto Seika University and the director of the Institute for Writing and Civilizations, he is now an emeritus professor at the same university. Ishikawa has elucidated the concept that "calligraphy is the art of brush touch (using the term 'taction')," and interprets the structure and history of calligraphy. As a critic, he is also active in discussions on the Japanese language and culture, which have had a significant impact across various fields. In both his artistic creations and written works, Ishikawa continues to produce cutting-edge expressions and insights. His body of work includes over 2,000 calligraphic pieces and more than 100 published books.