The Great Wave by Hokusai: Great Art Explained
Vložit
- čas přidán 17. 05. 2024
- Great Art Explained totally unique merchandise available here - crowdmade.com/collections/gre...
Please consider supporting this channel on Patreon, thanks! www.patreon.com/user?u=53686503
Or if you prefer a one off donation - www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_...
I would like to thank all my Patreon supporters, in particular Alexander Velser, Bria Nicole Art, David Abreu, Christa Sawyer Eric Mann, Pawel Juszczyk and Tyler Wittreich.
"What a brilliant series this is" - Stephen Fry on Twitter 12 December 2020
"Thoroughly researched and cleverly presented, with stunning visuals, Great Art Explained makes you realise that familiarity with a work of art sometimes makes us indifferent to its power" - Forbes Magazine, 9 July 2020
Great art explained. James Payne discusses the Great Wave.
I started "Great Art Explained" during lockdown. My aim is to make videos which focus on one great artwork. I want to present art in a jargon free, entertaining, clear and concise way with no gimmicks.
Subscribe and click the bell icon to get more arts content. Each video takes me about three weeks to a month, so I download at least once a month:
czcams.com/channels/ePD.html...
In 1639 Japan closed its borders and cut itself off from the outside world. Foreigners were expelled, Western culture was forbidden, and Entering or leaving Japan was punishable by Death. It would remain that way for over 200 years.
It was under these circumstances that a quintessentially Japanese art developed. Art for the people that was consumed on an unprecedented scale.
CREDITS
All the videos, songs, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel does not claim any right over them. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
Thanks to Bart Vergouwe for Dutch Subtitles.
Thanks to Mi Nguyen for Vietnamese Subtitles
Thanks to Dimitris Grammenos for Greek Subtitles
Thanks to Charles Xiu for Chinese Subtitles
Thanks to Cosimo Botticelli for Italian Subtitles
Thanks to Victoria Drabik for German Subtitles
Thanks to Tomas Iriarte for Spanish subtitles
Thanks to Gustavo Lyra for Portuguese subtitles
Many thanks to Takashi Shibata and Shannon Shibato-Germanos for helping me, in particular with my pronunciations!
Many thanks to David Bull for permission to use his brilliant woodblock making videos. Watch his inspiring videos at - / seseragistudio
David Bull's prints made with care and attention can be ordered here -mokuhankan.com/catalogue/0293...
Music is copyright free - Debussy's Evocation of the Sea
Incidental music - • [Free Royalty] Instrum...
Animation by Peter Van Valkenburgh - vimeo.com/79636275
Made in Tokyo - • Made In Tokyo ～Ukiyo-...
Drone footage - • Japan 2019 - | 4K | Dr...
Reference books
Hokusai: beyond the Great Wave, edited by Timothy Clark
Hokusai: Thirty-six views by Amelie Balcou
Ukiyo-e: The art of the Japanese print by Frederick Harris
Manga and the Representation of Japanese History by Roman Rosenbaum
A Brief History of Japan by Jonathan Clements
A history of Japan by RHP Mason and JG Caiger
Great Art Explained totally unique merchandise available here - crowdmade.com/collections/greatartexplained
Your intro is rather incorrect. Trade was conducted with the Chinese, Koreans, and Dutch even during the Edo period.
.
@@yo2trader539 yes - some trading was done, on a very small scale and on a very limited basis. The port was also moved to Dejima, Nagasaki, out of the way. I think that justifies the expression “cut themselves off from the outside world”?
The cool thing about prints like these is that there isn't an original. Having it as a poster is as authentic as the first print. That's what it's supposed to be.
Well said
What you'd want is a print made in the traditional way and not just from a photocopier like all prints you find in the stores
The man in the Technique section is David Bull in Japan, His prints are extraordinary and made with care and attention - mokuhankan.com/index.html
I have to partially disagree, HippoButtSecks said it well. As long as it is created using the original blocks in a traditional way, then its an original. A photocopy printed digitally is a copy
@@LinXXX03 It's woodblock printing. Those original blocks only last for a certain number of prints. After that you have to make new ones.
This is the kind of stuff you watch to procrastinate without guilt. Love your videos!
Exactly why I'm here...
Thanks so much 🙏
Exactly why I here too....
Relatable 🤣
I’m just “looking for inspiration” lol
Some extra trivia for those who didn’t notice the soundtrack: a very famous piece of music that was inspired by the Great Wave was Debussy’s “La Mer”.
Bien sûr.
wow! Thanks! I know that piece but was so caught up in the fascinating narrative I didn't hear any music...
Yes! Great choice!
Just speaks volume of how well researched are his videos.
I love Debussy
I have a puzzle of the great wave framed in my bedroom and just finished reading a book on Hokusai himself. I'm still pondering about something he said: ‘Until the age of 70, nothing I drew was worthy of notice. When I reach 80 years I hope to have made increasing progress, and at 90 to see further into the underlying principles of things, so that at 100 years I will have achieved a divine state in my art and at 110 every dot and every stroke will be as though alive.’
I love this mentality of continuously growing and learning, because it shows that age is not a limit when it comes to developing oneself; quite the contrary.
Do you remember what the book was called? I would love to read it!
also want to know the name of this book pls!!
Reminds me of the word "Ikigai".
@@shifufuu what does ikigia mean?
@@RainbowSkittles1242 a reason for being; the thing that gets you up in the morning. It's a Japanese concept/way of life that promotes longevity and serenity.
"Everything I've done before the age of seventy is not worth bothering with." Man, what a balm for my anxious soul worrying about having reached 30...! I think I needed to hear that xd
I feel you, man! I'm in the same boat.
@@dictablogger4037 Woman :) Thanks!
Lol. Old people
Yeah, it's really an incredible detail! The part where it mentions that the age of 60 is celebrated as a rebirth is very refreshing, and it's the same in my culture too! The other bit about Hokusai's belief that 'the older he gets, the better he becomes' is true to how much life there's left to live! Capitalism, its poor infrastructure and systems have convinced young people that one becomes worthless the moment they become unproductive (and productivity being judged by what can essentially be called 'industry standards' instead of being tied to different people and their abilities), so there's so much more I found in this video than just art and its history!
Imagine how I feel. I AM 70 this year!!!!! LOL
I've had a picture of that painting up on a wall for 3 years, only just now seeing the boats... I gotta start paying more attention to stuff, geez
Same... mine is still up and I had to take a good look at it after this
I've never seen the boats or the mountain. I Thought it was just another wave in the distance.
Y'all mofos are f-ing insane. But I get your point. Before I started looking at art more carefully, I never remembered boats or the Mountain which I thought was just another wave.
@@powerofberzerker9487 how are they insane if they did what you did tho
@@papasscooperiaworker3649 I have taken a quick look at the painting couple of times but never really looked at it closely. Once I did, I noticed both the boats and the mountain. Until that point, from the quick glances, I'd always remembered the main wave and waves but that's about it. These bastards have the painting at home and didn't see the boats... I've only seen it on the internet.
I’m an art teacher and showing these to my students is a great way to get them interested in learning art history! Thanks so much
Thank you for teaching art! 🙏
Our art history teacher also gave us an assignment on this video
I am japanese
I turn 70 this year, so I guess I'd better get started with the best part of my life. Oh boy!
I'm a scientist with great enthusiasm for art but not a lot of knowledge of it. Channels like this one help fill the gaps in my long but specialized education. This makes me so grateful to live in the era of the internet and of content creators.
Thanks for watching 🙏
The skill of the woodcarvers is crazy.
I studied and practiced the art at bendigo university.
What I love about these videos is that they give historical context. I was always told in Art class that Europeans were heavily inspired by the Japanese, but just now I could finally understand why it made a huge impact on them.
One of the biggest commodities at this time in Edo (now Tokyo) was fresh seasonal fish. You figure that Japan being an island would have all sorts of fish throughout the entire year, but it happens that the warm seasonal currents of the Pacifics would bring different schools of fish like mackerel and tuna at different times. The three intrepid boats in Hokusai's The Wave are not fishermen, but teamster delivery boats that were known for their speed and bravery in facing the rough sea surrounding the island. The team consisted of 10 strong men, 8 rowing nonstop with 2 alternating and resting every so often. In the wood print, you actually can see the team rowing in the back of the boats and the two extra men resting in between the team and the precious cargo at the front of the boat. These boats were designed to cut through the giant waves and were airtight so that even if the waves would crush over them they could continue rowing through them. Needless to say that these men were considered to be the Dare Devils of the sea and idealized by common people. A perfect subject for Hokusai who was well known for depicting the working class.
I’m Japanese and love this era of art but wow, your research has given me all new understanding, thank you 🙏🏼
Thanks 🙏
Van Gogh was in awe of Hokusai and an avid collector of duplicate woodblock prints... 🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵
Van Gogh is my favourite painter ! He greatly admired Japanese art. ❤️
I've always thought that in some way the Great Wave inspired Van Gogh's Starry night, you can see the same shape of the wave in Vincent's painting, in the sky
@nmd d please stop
Van Gogh was definitely a huge fan of Japanese art. I went to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and it is a fact that he became obsessed with the Japanese art style when the Dutch traders brought back some Japanese art
so your saying van gogh was an early weeb? i like it ^.^
This work by Hokusai Katsushika is called "Great Wave" outside of Japan, but the Japanese name is "Fugoku Sanjurokkei - Kanagawa-oki Namiura". It was painted when Hokusai was 72 years old. 1832
Being a Japanese, I must admit a fact: I'm taken aback, although the most of the nation would share the sensation. This can't be found in ordinary common knowledge of the public. An impressive content with awe sprinkled everywhere. Greatly appreciated for an elaborate work backed with wide & deep researches on top of a pick of Hokusai!
When the image transposed from The Great Wave to Starry Night, I gasped a little bit and got goose bumps. Those are the kinds of little secrets and back-stories that absolutely intrigue me and your videos never disappoint to provide them. I can't wait for the next video!!
I got goosebumps too! My jaw was on the floor.
it was my same reaction as well cuz i just saw the starry night's video yesterday !
@@paratha176 omg same!
D:
SAAAME. MY HEART JUMPED.
Great video!! Vincent Van Gogh was a lover of Japanese art. Many of his paintings were inspired by Japanese prints- the sky in Starry Night being the quintessential version.
Nobody ever talks about his "japanese period". I never understood that.
hmmmm. i never knew von gogh admired / loved japanese art. wow. & some of van gogh's paintings were inspired by that art. good to know. sometimes i really love the comments from a zillion websitres, as i will learn something new to me -- like here! so thanks very much for sharing this! =0)
Interresting because Van Gogh and Japanese art is my favourite
many yes, in total an very marginal number, nothing he is famous for
@@zeldapinwheel7043 because nobody cared, thats why
Super summary, thank you! The only thing I didn't hear you mention is the fact that Westerners interpret the image from left to right, but Japanese people interpret the image from right to left. This changes it from "giant wave about to engulf fishing boats" (Western reading) to "fishing boats approach giant wave" (Japanese reading) which is a subtle but meaningful difference. Nevertheless, great video!
素晴らしい着目点ですね！
A man fully dedicated to his craft, he did what he loved, very admirable
The fact he died penniless having to pay off his grand son's gambling debts just shows how cruel our world is.
Yes I agree!
It was his choice to give up that money. How is that cruel?
The world is not cruel. The world just is. Whether we call it cruel or wonderful tells more about ourselves than the world...
😔 Poor old man...
@@neliaferreira9983 Your attempt at trying to sound zen is admirable but for someone to have given the world something so beautiful and yet suffer so much is sad on every level and to deny that suffering is just inhuman. He gave up that money because of emotional attachment, your denial of it is perhaps also because of some emotional pain.
@@utkarsh2746 nah he was probably happy to help his grandson shit happens he was happy too supposedly so that’s all’s that matters I’d like to think using the money to help his grandson made him happy
The last name (The most left column 11:56 ) of Hokusai is "画狂老人卍" (Gakyo Rojin Manji) which means Painting-Crazy Old Man Manji (Fortune Symbol).
that's interesting :-)
Is that why Japanese artists changed their name so often? They made up joking pseudonyms with meaning behind them? Genuine question, and if yes, that's so cool! :)
@@weareallbornmad410 i don't actually know the answer to this but when kanji is used in names it has two meanings(they have Chinese and Japanese readings), so sometimes one is just a name and the other might be something that has this type of meaning
A great artist with chuu-ni-byou in 19th, interesting
Thank you .😁
It gives me goosebumps to think about the sheer magnitude of thoughts that go throughthe artists minds when they sit down and create these artworks. Reading paintings is like getting an insight into the mind of the artist himself. and its truly wonderful.
Unlike Lensa AI taking over art today!
I don't know why CZcams recommended this but I am so happy it did. The knowledge being offered is astounding
wake up babe new Great Art Explained video just dropped
😂
Hokusai gets inspired by Dutch paintings and imbues European techniques into traditional Japanese woodblock prints, then later Gogh gets inspiration from Hokusai’s prints, and imbues Japanese techniques into traditional European paintings… It’s just like all these people from different times and places having intimate conversations about each other sharing their life views. Art is so pure, profound and incredible.
Okay... I was looking for a video on how to appreciate art. I am just starting my journey in this at 30 yo and I just watched this video and I must just say thank you. I have a puzzle 2000 pieces of this painting and I wanted to know more too. I am in love now.
I am truly impressed by the details of the water, the wave, the fingers on the edge of the wave, the droplets painted in the image. This great wave picture was featured in a show a photographer made. He showed super slow motion and stills of waves, it showed the details where just like “the great wave” painting. Details the naked human eye cannot see. But this amazing painter somehow captured them. Amazing
Hulu or Discovery+ needs to give u a weekly show with 24 episodes. Great work
Why is this so true. Give this man a budget and a show, I’d love it!!
@@happy6146 What would Sister Wendy say?
@@Leftatalbuquerque That you should not read 'stun amogus' backwards
This show should be on Netflix
PBS
“Art has a life of it’s own.” If this were a book, I would highlight this section. I never felt the threat in this print that the narrator talks about. Japanese until the modern era were always considered skilled coastal sailors. In this art, I’ve always seen the challenge between man and the sea. The danger - yes. The beauty and exhilaration of the sea - oh yes. The safety of land and the call of home (Fuji) - yes. But not the conflict of the times. I really appreciate the different perspective! Thank you!
i believe the idea that “everything has a life force/spirit” was popular in japanese shinto religion
Why do people highlight books? Everytime I see it done i ask the people, have you reread it since the first read, if no why would you ever highlight something and not just copy it somewhere else. You obviously aren't coming back to it anytime soon. But seriously, did you have to go with the most hipster response? This quote has been repeated for thousands of years, of course art has a life of its own, no one truly understands the artists enough to appreciate the true point of a piece of art, thusly its the observer who MAKES UP their own interpretation. Like the mona Lisa, its a portrait theres not supposed to be much connotations, its amazing that its so famous
@@jamesmeppler6375 Interesting comments! Why highlight? I highlight those words which resonate deeply with my experience and beliefs. And I appreciate those wordsmiths who can express simply what I have not had the words for until I hear their ‘voice’. All my adult life as an artist, I have heard that only ‘originality’ is the highest measure of the value of art, thought, or endeavor. I applaud and celebrate originality but that is not the only or best measure of ‘art’ or thought. I think there is a snobbery in that exclusionary view that underestimates the artistic value of learning and teaching and perfected technique and craftsmanship. Finally, not everyone is as well read or spoken as you think they should be. You might consider that some of us are apprentices beginning our journey and just delighting in our discoveries.
@@jamesmeppler6375 Did you really have to be so pedantic about a totally harmless comment?
@@jamesmeppler6375 my brother in christ....
The piece playing in the background is. Debussy’s La mer one of the most beautiful pieces of all time. It translates to the ocean great piece and great listen
I'd love to see some more non euro-centric art discussed here! Especially Islamic art! I feel it's so rarely talked about with the respect that this channel gives to the art, artists, and cultures.
I agree with you - the issue for me is unfamiliarity - I do however have a few non European planned - thanks for watching 🙏
@@GreatArtExplained Take your time with your research. We trust in your capability to produce quality work. Keep it up
@@GreatArtExplained :D
yess!! i'd be SO happy to see islamic and middle eastern art as its so often swept under the rug despite its beauty!
Lovely german shepherd you have there
I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR SOO LONG FOR A NEW ART DISCUSSION AND HERE IT IS🎨👨🎨
Thanks 🙏
This morning I saw a Georgia O’Keeffe painting of the mountain Pedernal in New Mexico. She was obsessed with painting it. Later in the afternoon I watched a short video on Cezanne’s obsession with painting the mountain Sainte Victoire. I end the evening with this painting and the artist’s paintings of Mr. Fuji. I knew the Impressionists were fascinated and inspired by Japanese art. And, I can see the progression now. I didn’t know the Japanese were inspired by the Dutch. What a full circle it became with Vincent. He was born in 1853, the same year Japan’s borders were opened. I just love the bread crumbs that connect the dots!
My cafe customer dropped of the book of the 36 views of Mt Fuji by Hokusai the other day since he knew how much I loved this artwork. 💟
I had the pleasure of watching a printmaker make a copy of the Great Wave, in all places, Singapore.
He was part of a cultural troupe touring the region and I learned a few things:
1. The woodblocks and most of their equipment need to be made from specific old cherry trees that are becoming harder to find.
2. To preserve traditional arts, the govt provides a stipend to nationally acknowledged artists/craftsman.
Unfortunately most of the masters are in their 80s/90s, coupled with low birth rates and very long apprenticeships (10+ years is common) very few young ppl are interested. The printmaker I met was in his 40s and considered young. The govt had to ask the old masters to accelerate the knowledge transfer.
So cool!
re. your second point, I faintly recall from a film that maybe the Japanese gov calls them Living Treasures?
I find woodblock prints so fascinating, I recently went to the British museum’s new Hokusai exhibition with lots of his drawings that were not made into woodblocks, it was interesting to see the works in their original state, and knowing that it would have been destroyed in the making, however it did also make me wonder how it would transfer to woodblock, and what colours would be used. My favourite was two cats in hibiscus.
The Great Wave of Kanagawa is so popular and famous that Apple decided to create an emoji in it’s honour 🌊
🌊 🌊
I love it when you find out a piece that is known by everyone was just one in a series or considered "cheap art" while outlasting much of its high class versions. It's amazing.
Better analysis of this piece than when I saw this piece in person at an exhibition curated by 'professionals' and 'experts'.
Very nice.
This channel has become my own Netflix! In love with everything it has to offer. All of a sudden procrastination doesn't feel like a sin anymore :D
Please leave a comment (even a short one) and "like" the video. It really helps promote the channel on CZcams. I appreciate it! James
incredible fine art that was "printed"... and all of that is too the origin of manga and anime...
:)
With pleasure! I’m a musician but this channel is helping me draw parallels between the art form and painting. I actually love learning about culture and history around paintings now.
Thanks for the lovely video! One thing though: I'm stunned you mention Van Gogh but not Monet, who was influenced by Hokusai (and Japonism in general) more than anyone else in his day.
@@Kiyoone qqq11qqqq1qqqq1
So well done: an image we are all so familiar with, yet we know so little about.
I'm down the "learn something new" rabbit hole on CZcams.
Ironically, Starry Night and The Great Wave are my favorite paintings of all time. Thanks for the content.
Me tooooo!!!!
Yess me too!!
Alanis? Morrisette? is that you? ;)
Great! I am a Jazz Saxophonist and have played many times in Japan and am deeply impressed by the art produced during this period of isolation from .......
It blows me away with how meticulous and nuanced you had to be to print paper back in the day. It's amazing how unique everything feels in the production process.
>mass produced paintings of courtesans and brothels
I see hentai was quite quite popular in Japan back then too
In the Edo period, the pornographic ukiyo-e was very popular (and weird) and was called "shunga" - One of the most famous Shunga was by Hokusai and was called "The Dream of the Fisherman's Wife"
The Japanese knows their stuffs
@@GreatArtExplained Just took a look at it...wow, it's certainly something
@@andrewlaboy4907 well hentai has its foundations apparently
@@GreatArtExplained Yep, the art classes don't usually mention the, ahem, explicit stuff great artists made. I have a book of Yves Tanguy art and some of it is rather amusingly naughty.
I spy with my little eye David Bull rubbing on a layer of ink. I had the privilege of visiting his shop in late 2019 when I visited Japan. Super cool guy and amazing story teller.
Thanks for a great video and insight!
He is amazing and gave me permission to use his videos - a nice man! Thanks 🙏
I’ve always thought the “Great Wave” was exaggeratedly narrow…..then when I watched the Tsunami video from 2011 this is EXACTLY THE SHAPE of many Tsunami waves. Happy New Year from Tokyo.
Among all your videos, this felt the most inspiring. May be because of how "the great wave" was born during and portrays the crisis Hokusai's nation was facing.
So many times I stand in front of a painting, trying to 'see' what people 'see', to 'appreciate' the 'brilliance' claimed by so many people...yet I fail.
Thanks for explanations, and much more importantly, the education. You got me 'subscribed' just after 1 video (Van Gogh).
Much appreciated!
"Japan's self imposed isolation came to an end when a flotilla of fully armed ships sailed uninvited into Tokyo Harbor on behalf of the US government and demanded that the Japanese begin to trade with the US"
So bringing "freedom" to countries is an old American habit apparently ..
Great video as usual! Keep up the good work :)
My husband, a big history buff, says capitalism always needs new markets. If a country is refusing access, a pretext for enforcing open entry into its market will be given to the American public.
This also happened to Siam/Thailand as well... they imposed self-isolation for 150 years but the British forced them to open.
@@MsSimpleMovies what your husband is saying makes perfect sense !
@@dayangmarikit6860 sadly the same story repeats itself all around the world
To be fair, the Tokugawa Shogunate massacred countless foreigners and almost all religious or political dissidents. It’s not as simple as good and bad guys.
Glad to see you linked David Bull's channel in the description. Anyone wanting to learn more about Japanese art will find a rich resource there.
Excited for Van Gogh🙌🏻🖤
And I am ready for him to discuss Vincent with us for hours 🥰
Yes me too!
I’ve never been a fan of Japanese or Chinese art, but ‘The Great Wave’ is a very powerful painting and I love it.
The wave itself looks extremely menacing, almost like a giant entity and as though it has life and thought.
Brilliant.
yooo that plot twist sent shivers down my spine
This was the first video that introduced me to this channel and ever since then I’ve watched every episode. I could watch these videos all day ☺️
The first time I was made aware of this painting, it was as an example of the use of negative space. I think it was in Scott McCloud's Understanding Comics. The inverted wave creates tension for the eyes.
It's really interesting to think how the art world might have turned out if Japan hadn't been so isolated. Great video btw!
Thanks 🙏
I'd wager that the isolation improves the interest and demand for Japanese art. We may examine how the mass symbols produced in American art through the lens of artists such as Warhol (see Campbell's Soup Cans and Shot Marilyns) diminish the perceived value of art to some degree and instead facilitate cheap reprography. What I gather is that Japan not only mass-produced art but by intertwining it with social stratification created a demand for high-quality art that would or may have become a talking piece and thus increasing abilities for social mobility. Do correct me if I am wrong, thank you.
@@nathanfernandez5143 yeah I certainly agree. I was more thinking how the actual art would have turned out differently across the world
You ever hear the tragedy of Darth Plagueis the wise?
Love how you discuss the history of the artist or country and provide a background about the piece. I don’t know how I missed this channel. Thank you 🙏🏻
Such a fabulous episode.
I love this image so much.
Your explanation of how it was conceived, painted, and reproduced, and the cultural setting in which it lived was fascinating.
Thank You
wow its amazing how much history can be told from a painting. this is amazing, thank you for your work!! looking forward to more
Thanks 🙏
One of my favorite works of art since I was a kid and first was shown it on a slide projector in one of my English classes. This is a FABULOUS video. I appreciate seeing all the other works featured here, as well as the history. I always remember history so much more when viewed through the lens of art...it serves as an “interest anchor”!
I have this specific art piece at home, cant believe they were selling it at Ikea. Best value for my favourite art works
love the way you lay necessary historical background and how you describe the painting to make it easy to understand, and appreciate the masterpiece.
Thank you very much. From Japan🇯🇵
The charm of Ukiyo-e was discovered by people overseas.
These videos change the way I see and think about these and other paintings, I learn so much from watching them! Thanks for the great content
Thanks for the clarity of your exposition. I hadn't realized the extent and long duration of Japan's isolation. This explains the huge impact Japanese art had when it did finally arrive in the West.
I was happily surprised about how complete this video is for me, James! Loved the mix of old and contemporary images used to give a rich context to Hokusai's craft, his influences, and perhaps his decisions during production of the work. Well done!
How i wait with eagerness for every new upload
Please please never stop
Thank you 🙏
I agree :-)
Interested to learn more about his wife and kids deaths, his stroke, and lightening incident. Reading up on it now...he had two wives that died. Fascinating how a lot of great artists overcome so much in their personal life
I am interested in learning more about him now too. Lightning. Grandson's gambling debt. I liked how he started so late in life. I just started painting at 49 and feel like my best years are yet to come, as well. Inspiring.
I have a friend who is a songwriter - she says you cant be a great artist if you have not suffered terribly... Greart art comes from coping with pain.
@@sleepingtiger2096 Hokusai started to be an artist very young.
The cold morning mist
follows a still lonely night,
Dreaming of the sea.
I appreciate the love and thoroughness that you show for each and every painting that you cover. These videos bring me feelings of enjoyment in a rather dull society we currently live in and for that I thank you.
Thank you for pronouncing Van Gogh correctly instead of saying "Van Gow" like so many others :D
Monet was also very interested in Japanese art, as evidenced by his "La Japonaise" painting.
Yes I will deal with ‘japonism’ in my next video thanks 🙏
I literally clapped at the end when you mentioned that connection!! ❤️ Waiting for th next video!
Thanks 🙏
Also a fun fact build a bear has a bear you make using this art. They also have one of van gogh's starry night.
Prussian blue is heavily used in anime as well. Especially night scenes.
Thank you for showing the printing process - I've seen it before but I never tire of seeing craftsmen at work. I also enjoyed the animation at the beginning of the video - very nifty! And, as ever, a great explanation of the artwork. Thank you.
Hokusai has depicted the foam of the Great Wave as sharp claws about to seize the boat to the right, whereas he depicted the foam of the wave at the right to be more like a set of fingers supporting the boat in the best position for it to be devoured; the wave will crash down on the flat part of the boat and not be transfixed by the sharp prow. And, to emphasize the devouring, he has given the Wave a dark color and a set of ribs as if one is looking at the inside of the rib cage of an aggressive animal.
I don't know why CZcams suggested this video to me, but I'm so glad it did.
I've known it's a masterpiece and it's awesome, but never know why it is so great. I might never have had a chance to acknowledge these artworks until I, fortunately, found this channel. Thank you for sharing these precious pieces of stuff. The world needs art and beauty, especially now, during this devastating pandemic. And the people need art desperately to heal and find the right direction back to trace. Your work is honorable and it means a lot.
What a weird coincidence, I was JUST thinking of the Great Wave the other day. So nice to learn more about it
I just finished painting a version in oils the other day so I'm definitely feel coincidence
I've been immersed in everything Japan for a handful of months now, and I am delighted to say this is the first video in your channel I watched (jumped into the one about The Raft of the Medusa immediately afterwards, and saw there's so much more I am keen to watch). I knew quite a few things about the Great Wave off Kanagawa, but I also learned so much more, especially about the artist and the process of woodblock printing.
I subscribed immediately and will definitely be coming back for more! Your work is flawless, and the classical music makes things even better 💜
An absolute joy to watch! Research, production and presentation are all of the very highest order.
I'm a Japanese Hokusai lover who is learning English so this video is amaizing
My seven year old spent last week studying this painting in school, then all the kids had to paint a local mountain using the same style.
I'm so grateful for your work to produce this series. I learned a lot from this video - not just about the painting but about Japan's history and culture in general. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge in such a high quality format!
So grateful for this channel and the work behind making each video. Just thank you!!!
This image has haunted me for years. I instantly fell in love with it on seeing it. It is wonderful to know more about it. Thank you.
This channel deserves more love!! Can't believe I found this only today.
Seriously one of my favorite youtube channels. What a gem
I’ve always been interested in art history but never knew where to start. Your videos have really helped me better understand iconic masterpieces and the historical contexts behind them. Keep up the great work 💕
That ending gave me goosebumps!
What a wonderful channel! I’ve been working in my studio all afternoon listening to your videos. Please keep making these!
I've seen that art since my childhood yet never noticed that there was Mt. Fuji there.
Japanese art made me grow up from that childish stage of "art is just a scam", to appreciating the fact if that is your opinion, you just haven't found the art style that appeals to you.
Just the exquisite details in some of these works is staggering.
Arts not a scam, its the buying and selling of it that is the scam. I will only charge someone for art when its not for them. Otherwise art should be free to share and to inspire. Not to stockpile and hoard, look at Banksy, his is always free
@@jamesmeppler6375 No, you can do whatever you want with your art, the same art you made with hard work, had lots of thoughts put into it and creativity (Unlike modern "art"). But people are also free to copy it, take a photo of it, etc. Just like how you can copy physical objects.
@@halamadruuid2380 but oddly enough, the original would always hold more intrinsic value than a copy. Even though they both represent the same thing
@@jamesmeppler6375 Kind of like an NFT.
/s
I love how CZcams randomly puts videos like this on my feed. Excellent research done! Inspiring, enlightening, and truly educational. Thank you for making this for free!
Yeah i love this channel. I hope you can do some of Edward Hopper next, especially in the pandemic and the world just become more isolated from each other.
But that can be later because i love Van Gogh so much
Oh I like that angle! Thanks
Hopper was also a big influence on cinematography and production design. You especially notice that in Bladerunner.
@@coachhousechambers2047 the man is a genius inspired other genius. Noir flim, Hitchcock, David Lynch, this guy list is enormous
I definitely second that - I love Hopper and did a few projects on him when I was at school but I barely remember any of it 😅 would love him to be covered on this channel!
And he did. And it was brilliant. Thanks for suggesting it.
Your channel is the reason I believe that CZcams algorithm still works! This is marvellous!