The surface of this painting is layered with nuance and capturing the subtleties in a photograph is a huge challenge, so I hope this description helps. Kitai started by guilding the entire canvas with composite aluminum “silver” leaf, this adds a semi-reflective and darkly patinaed underglaze to the composition. Thick painted lines, curling like calligraphic flourishes also cover the first layer, their ridges cast shadows and reflect lines of light. Kitai coated that surface with a flat and chalky gesso, and applied patterned areas with pure silver leaf. The silver cloud and water-like reflections change dramatically as the light around the painting fluctuates, and are a strong contrast to the milky gesso. Kitai also added densely pigmented gansai dot forms across the central section like flower petals floating in a river current.

Charles Froelick, February 1, 2024