Hokusai

Beskrivelse

Discover the legendary Japanese artist Hokusai, famed for his iconic wave that has captivated audiences worldwide. His vast body of work spans prints, paintings, and illustrations, making him a pivotal figure in both Japanese art and Western modernism.

An influential master of ukiyo-e whose art shaped Western modernism and inspired countless renowned artists.

Hokusai (1760-1849) stands as a towering figure of the Edo period and one of the greatest names in Japanese art. His extensive and diverse creations in ukiyo-e, or "pictures of the floating world," include everything from landscape prints and actor portraits to erotic books. His art didn't just influence Japan but also left a deep mark on Western movements such as Impressionism and Art Nouveau, inspiring artists like Monet, Degas, and Van Gogh.

Known for his restless spirit, Hokusai moved homes over 90 times and adopted more than 30 different names throughout his life. This constant change mirrored the variety in his work, which ranged from single-sheet prints to album prints, illustrations for poetry collections and historical novels, as well as surimono-special prints created for private occasions.

Among his many achievements, the celebrated print series Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji (c. 1830–1834) stands out as his most famous. This collection captures Mount Fuji from numerous perspectives and seasons, culminating in the iconic image Under the Wave off Kanagawa, popularly known as The Great Wave, which remains one of the most recognized Japanese artworks globally.

This TASCHEN volume offers a comprehensive overview of Hokusai’s career, showcasing key works from across his prolific output. Through these stunning pieces, readers can explore the breadth of his subjects and witness the evolution of his bold style-characterized by vivid colors and precise lines-that helped break Western art free from traditional perspective and fueled the rise of modernism.

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