Shiko Munakata quotes:

I make black and white prints because I want to go back to the beginning.

Black and white are absolute...expressing the most delicate vibration, the most profound tranquility, and unlimited profundity.

I want to strip my work of 'effects' until it stands monolithic, based on reality and yet transcending it. It must flow naturally from my materials, from the way of the chisel and the way of the block... It is the ultimate ideal.