Chronicle

Similar to Shinoda’s lithographs which highlight the concept of “blank space,” in the predominantly monochromatic color scheme and in the presentation of abstracted images through calligraphic strokes. However, the relationship between the “blank space” and abstracted imagery in A Chronicle is unusual as the negative space echoes the geometric composition. The red pigment in the work, according to the artist, is cinnabar from a Ming pigment and is effective against the black background of the forms. These types of thin, calligraphic lines, usually in red pigment against a black plane, are a hallmark of Shinoda’s works. Through the juxtapositioning of forms in different shades of black and gray with slight but piercing lines of color, the artist creates evocative contrasts between lines and planes in her works.

Fourth from an edition of 35, it is titled and signed in pencil at the bottom from the center of the print to the right. It is also titled, Monogatari or “tales” in pencil by the artist in the lower right. According to the print dealer Allison Tollman, whose family has been working with Shinoda since the 1970s, A Chronicle was self-published by the artist and released in 1982.