Yves Millet: A Master of Pastel on Shikishi

What is a Shikishi?

Shikishi are traditional Japanese art boards made from layers of washi paper mounted on a rigid backing and framed with a thin gold border. Historically, they were used for poetry, calligraphy, and painting, often exchanged as precious gifts. Today, they continue to serve as an intimate surface for both traditional and contemporary artists.

Pastel on Shikishi

Yves Millet reinterprets the shikishi format through his signature pastel technique. Layer by layer, he builds soft fields of color—turquoise seas, glowing skies, fleeting clouds—that suggest natural elements without fully describing them. This restraint reflects his deep connection to East Asian aesthetics, where empty space and suggestion are as meaningful as form.

In his hands, the shikishi becomes not just a support but a stage for meditative compositions. Each work invites the viewer to contemplate light, color, and atmosphere as they shift across the horizon.

A Dialogue Between Cultures

Yves Millet’s choice of shikishi links his work to the centuries-old Japanese tradition while reimagining it within a contemporary, cross-cultural practice. The almost square format encourages balance and rhythm, while the gold trim recalls the elegance of classical Japanese painting. By bringing pastel—a medium deeply rooted in European art—onto this surface, he creates a fusion of East and West, where poetic suggestion and chromatic intensity meet.

A Series of Seascapes

In his Seascape series, Millet captures the sea and sky in constant transformation. Bright oranges, deep turquoises, and soft violets emerge as evocations of dawn, dusk, or storm. The works are not literal landscapes but rather atmospheric meditations, moments of shifting light held within the compact frame of the shikishi.

The Artistic Process

Yves Millet's artistic process is meticulous. He begins with a blank shikishi board, carefully selecting his pastels. Each color is chosen for its ability to convey emotion and atmosphere. Millet applies the pastels in layers, allowing each one to blend seamlessly into the next. This technique creates depth and richness in his works, inviting viewers to explore the nuances of color and form.

Millet’s approach is not just about technique; it is also about intention. He aims to evoke feelings and memories through his art. Each piece is a reflection of his experiences and observations, transformed into a visual language that resonates with the viewer.

Collecting Yves Millet’s Shikishi Works

For collectors, Yves Millet’s shikishi paintings represent a rare meeting of tradition and innovation. They carry the intimacy of the format—small, refined, and precious—while also offering the expansive vision of the artist’s practice. Each piece is both a work of fine art and a contemporary reinterpretation of one of Japan’s most enduring artistic supports.

The gallery offers a selection of Millet's works, showcasing the beauty and craftsmanship inherent in each piece. Collectors can appreciate the unique qualities of shikishi while also engaging with a modern interpretation of this traditional medium.

Conclusion

Art San Gallery presents Yves Millet as a significant figure in the contemporary art scene. His works on shikishi boards not only celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Japan but also invite a dialogue between different artistic traditions. Through his pastel technique, Millet creates a bridge between East and West, offering viewers a fresh perspective on both.

For those interested in expanding their art collections, Yves Millet’s shikishi paintings provide a unique opportunity. They embody a blend of historical significance and modern artistry, making them valuable additions to any collection.

Seascape III – Pastel on Shikishi by Yves Millet

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