Japonisme

Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Paul Cézanne, Paul Gauguin...

They were all inspired by Hokusai Katsushika, Japan's most celebrated artist.

#CoolJapan - hats off to Japanese aesthetics

Japan has always been spotted for its distinct and unique cultures and tradition. In the mid 19th century, Japan opened itself up to the rest of the globe after a long period of national isolation. The whole world was dying to discover this mysterious country.

As a result, people were under the spell of Japanese artistic expression. One of the many Japanese artists known in the West, somehow everyone had a special place in their heart for Hokusai. The name Hokusai was repeated over and over again.

A superb exhibition "Hokusai and Japonisme" is currently on at the National Museum of Western Art in Ueno, Tokyo. Not only you will be awed by the beauty of Japan expressed in Hokusai's artworks, but also (for the first time ever) you can compare and contrast the works of the greatest artists of the West, who adored Hokusai's artistic perspectives.

Don't you think it's too good?

Having been there to see Hokusai's revolutionary Ukiyoe (Japanese 浮世絵), I was actually fascinated by the magnificent artworks of the West (which obviously got a hint from Hokusai but regardless, it was breathtaking). I mean, the works that stimulated the legendary artists of the West on one hand and those that attracted people all over the world on the other hand! What influenced who and who influenced what?!

For a moment, I even forgot the exhibition was to ensure the greatness of Hokusai...

"On the Boat" (Claude Monet, 1887)

(image from the National Museum of Western Art)

Amazing.

Just amazing.

I could not keep my eyes off.

If you have not yet seen this in real life, you better move your ass asap.

You will soon start hearing tranquil sounds and seeing the moving water surface. You may even feel a slight breeze.

On top of that, there comes Hokusai's artwork that urged Monet to draw this.

Who knew!

When I first saw it... I didn't know what to say. I mean...yes, they are quite similar but...

Oh Monet, what a transformation!

I wonder how Hokusai would comment on Monet's work. Would he have a reverse inspiration???

Ah, so interesting.

If you are lucky enough to be in Japan now, there is no time to waste!