The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston is currently showcasing an exhibit dedicated to Katsushika Hokusai, one of Japan’s most celebrated artists. The exhibit, titled “Hokusai: Beyond the Great Wave,” features over 200 works of art by Hokusai, including his most famous piece, “The Great Wave off Kanagawa.” The exhibit also includes works by artists who inspired Hokusai and those who were influenced by him.
Who was Hokusai?
Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) was a Japanese artist who is widely regarded as one of the greatest artists in the history of Japanese art. He was known for his ukiyo-e woodblock prints, which were popular in Japan during the Edo period. Hokusai’s work had a profound influence on Western art, and he was an inspiration to many European artists, including Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet.
The Exhibit
The “Hokusai: Beyond the Great Wave” exhibit is the first major exhibition of Hokusai’s work in the United States in over 30 years. The exhibit features a wide range of Hokusai’s work, including his most famous piece, “The Great Wave off Kanagawa,” which is on loan from the British Museum in London. Other works on display include Hokusai’s “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji,” “One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji,” and “Unusual Views of Celebrated Bridges in the Provinces.”
The exhibit also includes works by Hokusai’s contemporaries, including Utagawa Hiroshige, as well as works by artists who were influenced by Hokusai, such as Paul Gauguin and Henri Rivière. The exhibit is divided into several sections, each focusing on a different aspect of Hokusai’s work and life.
Section 1: Early Works
The first section of the exhibit features some of Hokusai’s earliest works, including illustrations from a book of poems and sketches of actors and courtesans. These works showcase Hokusai’s skill as a draughtsman and his ability to capture the essence of his subjects.
Section 2: Mount Fuji
The second section of the exhibit is dedicated to Hokusai’s fascination with Mount Fuji. Hokusai is famous for his depictions of Mount Fuji, which he depicted in various weather conditions and from different angles. The section includes prints from Hokusai’s “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji” and “One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji” series.
Section 3: Bridges
The third section of the exhibit focuses on Hokusai’s interest in bridges. Hokusai was fascinated by bridges and often depicted them in his prints. The section includes prints from Hokusai’s “Unusual Views of Celebrated Bridges in the Provinces” series.
Section 4: Travel
The fourth section of the exhibit showcases Hokusai’s travel-themed prints, which depict scenes from different regions of Japan. Hokusai’s travel-themed prints are notable for their attention to detail and their ability to convey a sense of place.
Section 5: Animals and Mythical Creatures
The fifth section of the exhibit features prints depicting animals and mythical creatures. Hokusai was fascinated by the natural world and often depicted animals in his prints. The section includes prints from Hokusai’s “Hyakushu no Zu” series, which features illustrations of various animals.
Section 6: Late Works
The final section of the exhibit features some of Hokusai’s late works, including prints from his “One Hundred Poets” series and his “One Hundred Aspects of the Moon” series. These works showcase Hokusai’s skill as a printmaker and his ability to convey emotion through his prints.
In conclusion, the Hokusai exhibition at the MFA Boston is a must-see for anyone interested in Japanese art, printmaking, and art history. This exhibit not only showcases Hokusai’s most famous works, such as “The Great Wave,” but also provides a comprehensive view of his artistic journey and the context of Japanese art and culture during his time. Moreover, the exhibit invites visitors to appreciate the enduring artistic traditions of Ukiyo-e and the influence of Hokusai on contemporary art.
If you’re an art lover or enthusiast, don’t miss the chance to visit the Hokusai exhibition at the MFA Boston. It’s an opportunity to delve into the rich cultural history of Japan and witness the remarkable talent of one of its most iconic artists. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to check out Poison Design‘s shop, where you can find a variety of art-inspired products, such as hoodies, popsockets, and t-shirts. They make great gift ideas for yourself or any art lover in your life. Visit our shop now and add some artistic flair to your wardrobe or accessories collection.
