<b>CATS AT TWILIGHT</b> / Tomoo Inagaki1983$2,800</em>

Details

In the early 1950s, Tomoo Inagaki crafted his initial cat design, drawing inspiration from his own feline companion. Initially inclined towards realism, Inagaki's evolving cat designs gradually shifted towards simplification, infused with the Japanese aesthetic of kawaii, or cuteness. Beyond their endearing charm, Inagaki's cat creations delve into a profound psychological dimension, transcending the boundaries of mere cuteness.

In this design, Inagaki portrays two cats at twilight. The background is populated by simplified swaths of color, signaling the waning day. The foreground showcases two cats exhibiting remarkably anthropomorphic qualities and distinct facial expressions. Each feline reveals a unique personality, hinting at intricate contemplations. The cat on the left looks out toward the right of the view, while the cat at the center, rendered in deep contemplation, looks past the viewer to the center-left. Despite their physical closeness, the nuanced expressions of the two cats convey a profound emotional distance between them.

This design exhibits a stylistic resonance reminiscent of Alex Katz's portraiture. Profoundly influenced by Japanese graphic design, Katz has gained notoriety for his psychologically nuanced yet simplified portrayals of individuals.

Connoisseur's Note

This work is in pristine condition with vivid colors—a testament to its years of archival storage. It is quite rare to find large-scale work that has never been framed or displayed and has been spared the transgressions of improper framing and fading caused by years of exposure to sunlight. This print is as fresh as the day it was printed. The work is signed and sealed at the lower right.