Shizue Cooper

Chinese Lanterns

Pastel on Ampersan pastelboard
20.5" x 17"

"Hoozuki", or Chinese lanterns were my childhood toys given by Nature. Japanese girls enjoyed playing with them. When orange and ripe, I removed their seeds, inflated the fruit, and squeezed the air out to make a pleasing sound. The rounded mirrors and the Japanese doll contrast with the square of the Industrial glass brick whose surface reflections create abstract shapes. The yellow, oblong background screen, a "byobu", adds color alternation and contrast.