Hokusai at the British Museum
The works of the renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) are currently on display at the British Museum in London, UK. The exhibition features over 130 works, including some of his most famous works such as The Great Wave off Kanagawa, a woodblock print from his most well-known series, the Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji.
The exhibition is a celebration of the life and work of one of Japan’s most influential artists. Hokusai was a master of ukiyo-e, a style of Japanese woodblock printing, and he was a major influence on both Japanese and Western art. His works were a major influence on Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, and he has had a lasting influence on modern art.
The exhibition focuses on Hokusai’s life and work, from his early years as an apprentice to his later years as a master of ukiyo-e. It includes woodblock prints, paintings, sketches and illustrated books. It also features some of his most iconic works, including The Great Wave off Kanagawa, The Red Fuji and Red Fuji from the Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji series, and the renowned Manga books.
The exhibition also explores Hokusai’s influence on modern art. It includes works by modern artists who have been inspired by his work, such as Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet and David Hockney. It also looks at how his work has been used in popular culture, including in films, video games and fashion.
The exhibition is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of Japanese art and its influence on modern art. It provides an insight into the life and work of one of Japan’s most influential artists, and is a great opportunity to see some of his iconic works up close.
The Great Wave off Kanagawa
The Great Wave off Kanagawa is arguably Hokusai’s most famous work. It is a woodblock print from his most well-known series, the Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji. The print shows an enormous wave crashing against three boats, with Mount Fuji in the background. It is a powerful and iconic image, and has become an iconic symbol of Japan.
The print was originally published in 1831, and is widely considered to be one of the most influential works of Japanese art. It has been widely reproduced and has become a symbol of both Japanese culture and art.
The Red Fuji
The Red Fuji is a woodblock print from Hokusai’s Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji series. The print shows Mount Fuji in the background, with a red sun setting over the sea. The red sun is a reference to the Japanese myth of the goddess Amaterasu, who is said to have emerged from a cave and restored light to the world.
The print was originally published in 1830 and is one of the most iconic images of Mount Fuji. It has been widely reproduced and has become a symbol of Japan.
Manga
Hokusai is also well-known for his Manga books, which are a series of woodblock prints illustrating various stories and characters. The Manga books were hugely popular in Japan and were a major influence on the modern manga genre. The books have been widely reproduced and have become a symbol of Japanese culture.
Conclusion
The British Museum’s exhibition of Hokusai’s works is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of Japanese art and its influence on modern art. It provides an insight into the life and work of one of Japan’s most influential artists, and is a great opportunity to see some of his iconic works up close.