The Nelson Atkins’ most recent exhibit following artist Katsushika Hokusai, creator of The Great Wave off Kanagawa, provides a unique insight on him as he was so much more than his most famous painting. The exhibit tells Hokusai’s story through his mentors, students and even rivals, giving the attendees a new perspective on his artistic influences.
The Great Wave off Kanagawa, or more popularly The Wave, is one of this generation’s most easily recognizable art pieces. Appearing in tapestries and t-shirts alike, it’s an iconic piece of modern culture tied to nearly 200 years of history. Despite this, for many people, their knowledge of the piece and its creator ends at the hem of their tapestry.
It’s an incredible piece with serious depth considering the restrictions. Having originally been a wood block print, every detail had to have been carved —every layer of paint placed— just so, in order to fit Hokusai’s vision. Not to mention, it’s really quite small so there wouldn’t have been a lot of space to work.
But why is this his most famous work? The most likely answer would be the fact that The Wave was a favorite piece of French writer Edmond de Goncourt.
According to a plaque by his portrait, Goncourt “was an early and prominent advocate of Japonisme [a French term used to describe the craze for Japanese art and design in the West] in France.”
Goncourt published a biography of Hokusai based on the research of another author, Iijima Kyoshin, and his commending description of the piece may have been the reason The Wave gained so much traction.
That being said, the attention Hokusai gained from his wave was in no way undeserved; however, it’s unfortunate that the rest of his work rarely receives the same admiration.
Displayed on a wall in large text as you enter the exhibit is a quote from Hokusai himself, talking about wisdom as he ages. Unfortunately, Hokusai died at 88. So even though by his standards he never mastered the essence of art, his pieces are on display for hundreds to see. However, the exhibit contains roughly 100 of his very own masterful pieces all on loan from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston: all available for viewing with purchase of a ticket.
According to The Nelson, Hokusai started his neary seven decade career at 19 in the studio of Katsukawa Shunshō, a skilled ukiyo-e artist whose art is also on display at the exhibit. Ukiyo-e or “Floating World” is an artform that typically depicts luxurious color palettes, graceful women, and/or staggering theatrical illusions.
The year after, Hokusai began designing his own “actor prints,” the english term for wood block prints of kabuki actors, under the pseudonym “Shunrō”. Hokusai often changed his name depending on certain life events and Shunrō was just one of the many names used throughout his career; others included Iitsu, Manji, Gakyō Rōjin, Sori, and of course, Hokusai. These names are seen and explained all throughout the exhibit.
Surprisingly, The Wave was created towards the end of Hokusai’s life in the 1830s, along with the other 45 pieces of the series. Other series published at the time include Large Flowers and Small Flowers, which are both displayed at The Nelson.
In addition to the astonishing artwork, there are several knowledgeable volunteers who have donated their time to the exhibit, like Chris Purcell, a Nelson Atkins volunteer of 17 years, who shared his feelings about the exhibit.
“This is my first day in this exhibition. It’s overwhelming, each piece of art is stunning. They’re beautiful pieces of art, either painted or drawn or sculpted.” Purcell said.
With such a wide array of works, it can be intimidating to just find one favorite.
“I have seen the wave, so that was a fine piece. I don’t have a favorite, there are just too many beautiful pieces.” Purcell said.
Many, like Purcell, believe that art today is not promoted well to the public. Through this exhibit, The Nelson is able to shine a light on the less portrayed artists of history by giving the community an opportunity to learn something new.
“The Kansas City Star and The Post used to do a wonderful job of promoting this museum, but they don’t have an art staff. They don’t have music reviewers. They don’t have dramatic reviewers or art museum reviewers.” Purcell said.
If you’ve got a free weekend and a couple bucks to spend on a ticket, this exhibit is well worth the visit. Conversation makes the experience more interesting so if you plan on going, bring a friend to chat about your favorite works!
