As the title suggests, this is a poem that has not yet fully taken shape, with no words inscribed. It captures the swirling impulses and emotions that lie beneath the surface of consciousness, ready to erupt, making it a rare example for Ishikawa Kyuyoh, whose artistry has always been centered on writing words.

Words form the framework of human cognition, serving as tools that segment and articulate the external world in a comprehensible way. To depict the pre-verbal state, the artist must convey an undifferentiated condition. In this work, there are no clearly discernible brushstrokes, yet the viewer perceives energy emanating from the ink in various directions.

Ishikawa did not pursue this approach in subsequent works. In fact, within his larger output, this piece remains unique—further underscoring that he is, beyond any doubt, an artist whose primary subject is words.

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 hisshoku (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.