Copyright This work is still under copyright. Ei-Q died in 1960; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it remains in force until 2030. The image is shown here for classroom reference; rights remain with the rights holder.
In context
Cloud — Ei-Q
The original measures 130 × 162 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.
Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 49 at death.
Shaded: the lifetime of Ei-Q (1911–1960) every dated painting, decade by decade
This record has no exact year on file — using the artist's lifetime and the work's style, what decade would you guess?
Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.
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Measured from the image
Main colour
Espresso #3d3b41
Catalogued palette
These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour
The ten leading countries
Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.
Together these works take 100.0% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 7 works by this artist, of which 2 were looked at at least once. This painting has not been looked at yet in that time — it closes the list without a rank. The same counts, month by month
Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.
About this artwork
Cloud — Ei-Q
EI-KYU’s real name was Hideo Sugita. He studied painting at Nihon Bijutsu Gakko and began writing art reviews from when he was sixteen. In 1936, he published a collection of photograms entitled Nemuri no Riyu (Reason for Sleep) and it was from then that he used the pen name EI-KYU. In 1951, he formed the Demokrato Artists Association. He played a pioneering role in postwar Japanese art. Beginning from figurative oil paintings of landscapes or people, EI-KYU produced many experimental works going to-and-fro between figuration and abstraction and including visionary expressions. The final method of expression he reached was abstract painting in pointillism. This painting was done the year before the artist died at the age of 48. He had been painting works composed of mainly organic forms in a freewheeling way from the latter part of the 1940s. From around 1957, he began to produce works in which the paint was sprayed on with an air compressor. The following year, numerous circles and cell-like patterns appeared on his canvases and they eventually evolved into the pointillism demonstrated in this painting. In his later years, EI-KYU pursued this expression to the point of obstinacy.
Artist and museum
Born in Miyazaki, Japan
Romare Howard Bearden, born September 2, 1911, in Charlotte, North Carolina, and passing away March 12, 1988, in New York City, was more than just an artist; he was a chronicler of the Black experience in America. His life unfolded as a rich tapestry woven with threads of social work, artistic exploration, and profound personal reflection. From his early years navigating the segregated South to his later career as a celebrated visual storyteller, Bearden’s journey is inextricably linked to the history and culture he so powerfully depicted. He began his formal education at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, but transferred to Boston University and ultimately completed his degree at New York University (NYU), where he honed his skills as a cartoonist and art editor for student publications – experiences that would profoundly shape his later artistic vision. Bearden’s early career involved working as a social worker with the New York City Department of Social Services, a role that provided him with invaluable insight into the realities faced by marginalized communities, informing many of his works with empathy and understanding. This dual life—artist and advocate—created a unique perspective, allowing him to blend personal observation with artistic expression.
Early Influences: Bearden’s artistic development was deeply rooted in the diverse influences he encountered throughout his life. He drew inspiration from Western masters like Duccio, Giotto, and Matisse, alongside a fervent appreciation for African art – particularly its sculptures, masks, and textiles. This synthesis of European tradition and African heritage became a defining characteristic of his work.
The Harlem Renaissance: Bearden was deeply connected to the Harlem Renaissance, a vibrant cultural movement that celebrated Black identity and creativity. He participated in the Harlem Artists Guild, absorbing the energy and spirit of this era and carrying its legacy forward through his art.
Collage as Medium: Bearden’s most recognizable technique was collage—a process he embraced with remarkable innovation. He skillfully combined disparate elements – photographs, newspapers, fabrics, and painted surfaces – to create layered compositions that evoked memory, emotion, and social commentary.
Bearden’s art is not simply a representation of the world; it's an exploration of memory, myth, and the complexities of Black identity. His collages frequently depict scenes from American history—the Great Migration, jazz performances, and everyday life in Harlem—but always filtered through a distinctly personal lens. He didn’t merely record events; he reconstructed them, layering fragments of experience to create evocative narratives that resonated with both historical significance and emotional depth. His work is rich in symbolism, drawing on African motifs, biblical imagery, and the rhythms of jazz music to convey profound meanings. The recurring presence of figures dancing, celebrating, or mourning speaks to the resilience and spirit of the Black community. Bearden’s use of color—bold reds, yellows, and blues—adds to the vibrancy and emotional intensity of his compositions.
Jazz as Inspiration: Jazz music played a central role in Bearden's artistic process. He often incorporated musical notation, rhythms, and improvisational elements into his collages, reflecting the dynamic energy and improvisational spirit of jazz.
Mythological Allusions: Bearden frequently drew upon African mythology and folklore, weaving these narratives into his work to explore themes of identity, spirituality, and cultural heritage.
The Fragmented Narrative: A key element of Bearden’s style is the fragmented nature of his compositions. He deliberately broke down traditional narrative structures, presenting viewers with a series of interconnected images that invite interpretation and contemplation.
Throughout his career, Bearden achieved significant recognition for his artistic contributions. His first solo exhibition in Harlem in 1940 marked a pivotal moment in his career, while his Washington, D.C., show in 1944 further solidified his reputation as a rising star. He continued to exhibit internationally throughout the mid-20th century, establishing himself as one of America’s leading artists. Beyond his artistic achievements, Bearden was deeply committed to social justice and community engagement. His work with the Harlem Cultural Council demonstrated his dedication to supporting young, emerging Black artists and fostering cultural development within the African American community. His legacy extends beyond individual artworks; he helped establish institutions like The Studio Museum in Harlem and Cinque Gallery, providing vital platforms for Black artists and promoting cross-cultural understanding.
Key Achievements:
First solo exhibition in Harlem (1940)
Solo exhibition in Washington, D.C. (1944)
Appointment as the first art director of the Harlem Cultural Council (1964)
Establishment of Cinque Gallery with Norman Lewis and Ernest Crichlow
Romare Bearden’s artistic legacy continues to resonate today. His collages, watercolors, oils, photomontages, and prints offer a powerful testament to the richness and complexity of Black American experience. His work is not merely aesthetically pleasing; it's a profound reflection on history, identity, memory, and the enduring spirit of a community. Bearden’s innovative use of collage, combined with his deep understanding of social issues and cultural traditions, cemented his place as one of the most important artists of the 20th century—a visual storyteller whose work continues to inspire and challenge viewers around the world. His life's work serves as a reminder of the power of art to illuminate the human condition and foster empathy across cultures.
Every fact we hold on Cloud by Ei-Q, on its artwork page
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Look closely
Cloud — Ei-Q
Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.
Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.
"Cloud" by Ei-Q can be previewed on your own wall with the artwork's AR Preview page, using augmented reality on a compatible device.
The colors in "Cloud" by Ei-Q have a monochromatic intensity.
The color that stands out most in "Cloud" is espresso (#3d3b41). The dominant color is useful when matching an artwork to an interior.