Matsumi Kanemitsu

American, 1922 - 1992

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In this painting, large irregular black shapes are spread unevenly across a vivid red background. The biggest black shape stretches from the center of the painting to the bottom right corner, with two smaller ones on top of it and two in the bottom left corner. Some of the shapes contain lines or small patches of red, and some of the red background is crossed with thin black lines. Above center, a small white shape appears, closed in by the black shapes and lines of red. Other, smaller patches of white appear across the painting, especially in places where the red and black sections meet.
Matsumi Kanemitsu, Border Shift, 1959, oil on canvas, Corcoran Collection (Gift of Vincent Melzac), 2015.19.136

Border Shift

Matsumi Kanemitsu · 1959 · oil on canvas ·  Accession ID  2015.19.136

The image features an elongated, irregular vertical shape against a gradient background of teal and light aqua. Linear geometries like a faint triangular outline are interspersed amid the textured layers. Small, dark, round shapes float nearby.
Matsumi Kanemitsu, North Wind I, 1977, color lithograph, Gift of June Wayne, 1977.54.5

North Wind I

Matsumi Kanemitsu · 1977 · color lithograph ·  Accession ID  1977.54.5

The image displays a large jagged triangular shape in the center, with various shades of teal and turquoise blending together to create an abstract effect. The shape has smoother, rounded edges and is surrounded by small circular marks. The background transitions from dark teal on the left to a lighter shade on the right.
Matsumi Kanemitsu, North Wind II, 1977, color lithograph, Gift of June Wayne, 1977.54.6

North Wind II

Matsumi Kanemitsu · 1977 · color lithograph ·  Accession ID  1977.54.6

The image shows a large vertical rectangle-like shape with a rough texture and streaky appearance against a dark background. At the bottom, a horizontal band extends across with a metallic and textured quality. In the lower right corner, there is a small irregular shape resembling a rust-colored branch or twig.
Matsumi Kanemitsu, Tamarind Institute, Za Zen (The Meditation), 1975, color lithograph on wove paper, Gift of June Wayne, in Honor of the 50th Anniversary of the National Gallery of Art, 1991.205.78.5

Za Zen (The Meditation)

Matsumi Kanemitsu, Tamarind Institute · 1975 · color lithograph on wove paper ·  Accession ID  1991.205.78.5

The image displays a variety of black and white shapes and lines in an abstract composition. There are bold circular forms on the left and elongated, curved lines on the right. The contrast between black and white creates a sense of harmony, similar to yin and yang symbols.
Matsumi Kanemitsu, Tamarind Institute, Untitled, 1970, lithograph (stone) in black on uncalendered Rives paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1984.34.9

Untitled

Matsumi Kanemitsu, Tamarind Institute · 1970 · lithograph (stone) in black on uncalendered Rives paper ·  Accession ID  1984.34.9

The image displays bold, sweeping black shapes that arc and curve diagonally across the canvas, creating an interplay of positive and negative space. The abstract forms resemble the flow and movement of a stylized leaf or petal, with some areas reminiscent of ink blots or splashes. The composition evokes natural movement and form within an abstract context. The upper right section includes a lighter, textured area against a stark white background.
Matsumi Kanemitsu, Tamarind Institute, Untitled, 1970, lithograph (stone) in black on uncalendered Rives paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1984.34.6

Untitled

Matsumi Kanemitsu, Tamarind Institute · 1970 · lithograph (stone) in black on uncalendered Rives paper ·  Accession ID  1984.34.6

The image contains swirling lines and shapes with a torn paper texture and written text that says "Mickey Mouse Series." The number "18" is also visible.
Matsumi Kanemitsu, Tamarind Institute, Title Page, 1970, lithograph (stone) in black on Rives BFK paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1984.34.4

Title Page

Matsumi Kanemitsu, Tamarind Institute · 1970 · lithograph (stone) in black on Rives BFK paper ·  Accession ID  1984.34.4

The image consists of bold, flowing blue shapes and lines against a vivid orange background. The abstract composition showcases a sweeping arc curving into a dense, rounded form. The deep blue shapes contrast with the bright orange background, with the abstract forms reminiscent of familiar silhouettes yet open to interpretation.
Matsumi Kanemitsu, Tamarind Institute, Kiss, 1970, lithograph (aluminum and stone) in orange and blueon Rives BFK paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1984.34.44

Kiss

Matsumi Kanemitsu, Tamarind Institute · 1970 · lithograph (aluminum and stone) in orange and blueon Rives BFK paper ·  Accession ID  1984.34.44

The image shows an abstract composition of blue shapes set against an orange background. The central blue form could resemble flowing fabric or bird wings. The blue element on the left appears elongated with pointed ends and soft textures. The blue shape on the right has rounded edges and subtle gradients. The use of negative space and contrasting colors creates a sense of motion and depth.
Matsumi Kanemitsu, Tamarind Institute, Somehow, 1970, lithograph (aluminum and stone) in orange and blueon Rives BFK paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1984.34.45

Somehow

Matsumi Kanemitsu, Tamarind Institute · 1970 · lithograph (aluminum and stone) in orange and blueon Rives BFK paper ·  Accession ID  1984.34.45

The image consists of sweeping curves and lines in the upper part, creating an abstract tone. The swirling, layered forms look like overlapping petals or leaves. Below is a textural area with speckles and gradients, possibly resembling a rocky or sandy landscape. The play of light and shadow in the monochrome design adds to its dynamic abstract quality, suggesting the edge of a horizon or the slope of a hillside.
Matsumi Kanemitsu, Tamarind Institute, Untitled, 1970, lithograph (stone) in black on uncalendered Rives paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1984.34.16

Untitled

Matsumi Kanemitsu, Tamarind Institute · 1970 · lithograph (stone) in black on uncalendered Rives paper ·  Accession ID  1984.34.16