Mad about Painting

Katsushika Hokusai, a renowned printmaker known for his iconic Under the Wave off Kanagawa, was a revolutionary artist who mastered the ukiyo-e woodblock technique. He was also a dedicated teacher who shared his knowledge through detailed written tutorials. This book offers excerpts from his manuals, providing a rare insight into his psyche and artistic life. It connects his prints to modern manga and highlights his lasting influence on Japanese creative expression.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 06 April 2023
Publisher: David Zwirner

Renowned for his iconic print Under the Wave off Kanagawa, also known as the Great Wave, Katsushika Hokusai was a revolutionary printmaker. His mastery of ukiyo-e in the nineteenth century has inspired generations of artists since, and his works exposed the world to the delicate beauty and power of Japanese woodblock technique. In addition to his remarkable artistic output, Hokusai was also a dedicated teacher who sought to pass down his deep understanding of color and painting to practicing artists through immensely detailed written tutorials. Here, for the first time in centuries, are excerpts from his manuals, many available for the first time in English. It is an invaluable insight into the psyche of a true master, and a rare personal account of an artist's life during a fascinating period in Japan's history.

Connecting Hokusais prints from the Edo period to manga, author Ryoko Matsuba foregrounds Hokusais contributions to Japanese creative expression from the 1800s to today. Also included in this book: Vincent Van Gogh's letter about Hokusais Great Wave and the contemporary artist Ikeda Manabus concise observations about Hokusais lasting influence.

Weight: 138g
Dimension: 108 x 177 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781644230879