Hokusai: beyond the Great Wave
Visit The Beehive for a ground-breaking documentary and exclusive private view of this major exhibition. Experience the beautiful and sublime work of one of Japan’s greatest artists. Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849) is widely regarded as Japan’s most famous and influential artist. 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 famous masterpieces. Rivers flow like watered silk, two-tone carp struggle up a waterfall, a ghost blows in leaf-like through a window. He loves the frog lazing beneath the morning glory and the fresh rain scattering a crowd.
A selection of superb landscapes is introduced with the iconic Great Wave – itself part of a print series of views of Mt Fuji. Intimate domestic scenes capture fleeting moments in private lives. Exquisite depictions of flora and fauna display an innate skill in representing the natural world. The artist’s imagination is given full rein in the portrayal of supernatural creatures such as ghosts and deities. Through all of these works, explore Hokusai’s personal beliefs and gain a fascinating insight into the artist’s spiritual and artistic quest in his later years. These were his last words: “If heaven will afford me five more years of life, then I’ll manage to become a true artist.”
This screening is on Friday 18 Aug at 7pm. Get your tickets here.
