Hokusai: beyond the Great Wave

The Great Wave has always been an influential piece of art throughout my life, and something that I've wanted to see in person to get the full detail and amazement of it.

'Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849) is widely regarded as one of Japan’s most famous and influential artists. He produced works of astonishing quality right up until his death at the age of 90. This new exhibition will lead you on an artistic journey through the last 30 years of Hokusai’s life – a time when he produced some of his most memorable masterpieces.'

Many piece of his art were displayed within the centre of the British Museum, showing his woodblock prints, silk paintings, and many sketchbooks of initial ideas/drawings. It even look into the work of his daughter Oi, who was known to helped but probably did produce some herself using the Hokusai name.

Favourite pieces included:

Picture of Famous Places in China- As Hokusai had never visited he imagined what China looked like, with using some knowledge of the known land (the Great Wall can be seen in the distance). China was a source of ancient culture and wisdom to the Japanese and many aspire to this idealised place.

Hawk and Cherry- Part of a set of five large vertical prints of animals, birds and fish, this one represents the perching of a hawk upon a balcony with cherry behind it. These could have been created to celebrate the New Year.

Clear Day with a Southern Breeze ('Red Fiji')- Another well-known piece by Hokusai, showing Mount Fuji in late summer, as part of the 36 views of Mt. Fuji. This piece is considered more abstract, which is possibly why I like it.

Website: http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/exhibitions/hokusai.aspx