Kozu's eye was uncompromising and clear, whatever the cost. Against the grain of Japanese art he painted from life, from observation rather than memory and imagination. He had no compunction in using people, whether servants or lovers, to set his scenes, no fear of dissection or execution. His paintings testify to a criminal indifference.
With the war over interest is renewed in the art of Yuichiro Kozu, but can the truth really be understood from a painting? Is direct observation and accuracy enough? Perhaps a story is also required.
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