Untitled (c. 1960s) is one of Katsura’s bold experiments with material and form, most likely created in her New York City studio in the early 1960s. Katsura employed her distinctive technique of applying fibrous washi paper to what appears to be untreated canvas, depicting two “forms”—one large and one small—using velvety shades of black, green, and blue. Smoky, dry-brushed edges surround the upper form, while the smaller, darker shape grounds the composition. The artist skillfully crafted subtle variations in the tonality and shape of the two forms, balancing tension and precariousness as they rest atop one another like stones.

As seen in her other works from this period, Katsura emphasized the materiality of oil paint, allowing it to settle into the wrinkles and folds of the paper, adding variation and texture to the canvas. She intentionally left the area around the forms unpainted, a rare choice that further highlights their weight and plasticity, as well as the canvas's woven surface. The darker tones in this piece are reminiscent of two larger-scale works Katsura created in 1961, both titled Work. These works contrast with the more vividly saturated paintings she produced while in New York, showcasing the artist’s experimentation with color and tonality during this time. Untitled possesses a jewel-like quality, catching the light like obsidian against a subdued background.

“Katsura presents work of great delicacy and strength. Using collage, she builds up textural abstractions that sometimes recall the style of Tapié. However, she also employs strong colors such as orange, vibrant green, and deep brick red. The surfaces exhibit great variety and depth.”
- Leslie Judd Ahlander, article in the Washington Post on Gres Gallery exhibition, November 1960.