Research on Katsushika Hokusai continues to be very active, both in Japan and internationally, because of the ongoing high regard for his works. Here are some key areas and trends in current Hokusai research, based on historical facts:
1. International Exhibitions and Research Projects
- Hokusai’s works are frequently exhibited in museums worldwide. In particular, Western countries have been reevaluating his works in the context of the Japonisme movement, which Hokusai heavily influenced. For example, the 2021 exhibition “Hokusai: The Great Picture Book of Everything” at the British Museum offered new perspectives on his art.
2. Digital Technology Analysis
- Researchers are using the latest digital technology to analyze Hokusai’s works in detail. Techniques like 3D scanning and high-resolution digital imaging are helping to study his printmaking methods, the quality of paper, and changes in color over time. This research is deepening our understanding of the techniques and materials Hokusai used.
3. Discovery of Unpublished Works and Materials
- Occasionally, previously unknown works and materials related to Hokusai are discovered. These findings provide new insights into his life and creative process, although they require careful academic verification.
4. Hokusai and Western Art
- There is ongoing research into how Hokusai’s works influenced European art in the late 19th century, particularly the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist movements. Researchers are examining how artists like Van Gogh and Monet were inspired by Hokusai and how this influence is reflected in their works.
5. Reevaluation of Late Works
- Hokusai continued to create art until he passed away at the age of 88. Even in his later years, he remained highly productive, and his work from this period has been increasingly re-evaluated by scholars. The changes in technique and themes seen in his late works are thought to reflect his life philosophy and religious beliefs. Hokusai’s dedication to his craft and his constant pursuit of new forms of expression are evident in these late pieces, which continue to attract the interest of researchers today.
6. Multicultural Perspectives
- There is ongoing research that connects Hokusai’s work not only to Japanese culture but also to the cultural backgrounds of Asia and the West. Scholars are exploring how Chinese culture influenced Hokusai’s art and, conversely, how his work impacted other Asian countries and Western art. It is well-documented that Hokusai was influenced by Chinese painting techniques, and his ukiyo-e prints, in turn, had a significant impact on art in Asia and Europe.
- Such research is important for understanding the complex layers of meaning in Hokusai’s work and his broad international influence.
7. Study of Hokusai’s Personality
- Studies also focus on Hokusai’s character, lifestyle, and worldview. His struggles with poverty and his relentless dedication to art, even in his later years, are key to understanding his passion and unique aesthetic.
These research efforts not only reaffirm Hokusai’s artistic value but also deepen our understanding of the cultural and historical context in which he lived. As new discoveries are made and technology advances, Hokusai research is expected to continue evolving.