@@yo2trader539 yes - some trading was done, on a very small scale and on a very limited basis. The port was also moved to Dejima, Nagasaki, out of the way. I think that justifies the expression “cut themselves off from the outside world”?
"Everything I've done before the age of seventy is not worth bothering with." Man, what a balm for my anxious soul worrying about having reached 30...! I think I needed to hear that xd
Yeah, it's really an incredible detail! The part where it mentions that the age of 60 is celebrated as a rebirth is very refreshing, and it's the same in my culture too! The other bit about Hokusai's belief that 'the older he gets, the better he becomes' is true to how much life there's left to live! Capitalism, its poor infrastructure and systems have convinced young people that one becomes worthless the moment they become unproductive (and productivity being judged by what can essentially be called 'industry standards' instead of being tied to different people and their abilities), so there's so much more I found in this video than just art and its history!
I have a puzzle of the great wave framed in my bedroom and just finished reading a book on Hokusai himself. I'm still pondering about something he said: ‘Until the age of 70, nothing I drew was worthy of notice. When I reach 80 years I hope to have made increasing progress, and at 90 to see further into the underlying principles of things, so that at 100 years I will have achieved a divine state in my art and at 110 every dot and every stroke will be as though alive.’ I love this mentality of continuously growing and learning, because it shows that age is not a limit when it comes to developing oneself; quite the contrary.
@@RainbowSkittles1242 a reason for being; the thing that gets you up in the morning. It's a Japanese concept/way of life that promotes longevity and serenity.
The cool thing about prints like these is that there isn't an original. Having it as a poster is as authentic as the first print. That's what it's supposed to be.
I have to partially disagree, HippoButtSecks said it well. As long as it is created using the original blocks in a traditional way, then its an original. A photocopy printed digitally is a copy
Y'all mofos are f-ing insane. But I get your point. Before I started looking at art more carefully, I never remembered boats or the Mountain which I thought was just another wave.
@@papasscooperiaworker3649 I have taken a quick look at the painting couple of times but never really looked at it closely. Once I did, I noticed both the boats and the mountain. Until that point, from the quick glances, I'd always remembered the main wave and waves but that's about it. These bastards have the painting at home and didn't see the boats... I've only seen it on the internet.
I'm a scientist with great enthusiasm for art but not a lot of knowledge of it. Channels like this one help fill the gaps in my long but specialized education. This makes me so grateful to live in the era of the internet and of content creators.
What I love about these videos is that they give historical context. I was always told in Art class that Europeans were heavily inspired by the Japanese, but just now I could finally understand why it made a huge impact on them.
One of the biggest commodities at this time in Edo (now Tokyo) was fresh seasonal fish. You figure that Japan being an island would have all sorts of fish throughout the entire year, but it happens that the warm seasonal currents of the Pacifics would bring different schools of fish like mackerel and tuna at different times. The three intrepid boats in Hokusai's The Wave are not fishermen, but teamster delivery boats that were known for their speed and bravery in facing the rough sea surrounding the island. The team consisted of 10 strong men, 8 rowing nonstop with 2 alternating and resting every so often. In the wood print, you actually can see the team rowing in the back of the boats and the two extra men resting in between the team and the precious cargo at the front of the boat. These boats were designed to cut through the giant waves and were airtight so that even if the waves would crush over them they could continue rowing through them. Needless to say that these men were considered to be the Dare Devils of the sea and idealized by common people. A perfect subject for Hokusai who was well known for depicting the working class.
Good context! I feel like it balances the video's more anxious perspective of the painting. Hokusai-sensei believed in the common man to navigate adversity.
When the image transposed from The Great Wave to Starry Night, I gasped a little bit and got goose bumps. Those are the kinds of little secrets and back-stories that absolutely intrigue me and your videos never disappoint to provide them. I can't wait for the next video!!
Is that why Japanese artists changed their name so often? They made up joking pseudonyms with meaning behind them? Genuine question, and if yes, that's so cool! :)
@@weareallbornmad410 i don't actually know the answer to this but when kanji is used in names it has two meanings(they have Chinese and Japanese readings), so sometimes one is just a name and the other might be something that has this type of meaning
Being a Japanese, I must admit a fact: I'm taken aback, although the most of the nation would share the sensation. This can't be found in ordinary common knowledge of the public. An impressive content with awe sprinkled everywhere. Greatly appreciated for an elaborate work backed with wide & deep researches on top of a pick of Hokusai!
Great video!! Vincent Van Gogh was a lover of Japanese art. Many of his paintings were inspired by Japanese prints- the sky in Starry Night being the quintessential version.
hmmmm. i never knew von gogh admired / loved japanese art. wow. & some of van gogh's paintings were inspired by that art. good to know. sometimes i really love the comments from a zillion websitres, as i will learn something new to me -- like here! so thanks very much for sharing this! =0)
It gives me goosebumps to think about the sheer magnitude of thoughts that go throughthe artists minds when they sit down and create these artworks. Reading paintings is like getting an insight into the mind of the artist himself. and its truly wonderful.
Hokusai gets inspired by Dutch paintings and imbues European techniques into traditional Japanese woodblock prints, then later Gogh gets inspiration from Hokusai’s prints, and imbues Japanese techniques into traditional European paintings… It’s just like all these people from different times and places having intimate conversations about each other sharing their life views. Art is so pure, profound and incredible.
“Art has a life of it’s own.” If this were a book, I would highlight this section. I never felt the threat in this print that the narrator talks about. Japanese until the modern era were always considered skilled coastal sailors. In this art, I’ve always seen the challenge between man and the sea. The danger - yes. The beauty and exhilaration of the sea - oh yes. The safety of land and the call of home (Fuji) - yes. But not the conflict of the times. I really appreciate the different perspective! Thank you!
Why do people highlight books? Everytime I see it done i ask the people, have you reread it since the first read, if no why would you ever highlight something and not just copy it somewhere else. You obviously aren't coming back to it anytime soon. But seriously, did you have to go with the most hipster response? This quote has been repeated for thousands of years, of course art has a life of its own, no one truly understands the artists enough to appreciate the true point of a piece of art, thusly its the observer who MAKES UP their own interpretation. Like the mona Lisa, its a portrait theres not supposed to be much connotations, its amazing that its so famous
@@jamesmeppler6375 Interesting comments! Why highlight? I highlight those words which resonate deeply with my experience and beliefs. And I appreciate those wordsmiths who can express simply what I have not had the words for until I hear their ‘voice’. All my adult life as an artist, I have heard that only ‘originality’ is the highest measure of the value of art, thought, or endeavor. I applaud and celebrate originality but that is not the only or best measure of ‘art’ or thought. I think there is a snobbery in that exclusionary view that underestimates the artistic value of learning and teaching and perfected technique and craftsmanship. Finally, not everyone is as well read or spoken as you think they should be. You might consider that some of us are apprentices beginning our journey and just delighting in our discoveries.
Okay... I was looking for a video on how to appreciate art. I am just starting my journey in this at 30 yo and I just watched this video and I must just say thank you. I have a puzzle 2000 pieces of this painting and I wanted to know more too. I am in love now.
With pleasure! I’m a musician but this channel is helping me draw parallels between the art form and painting. I actually love learning about culture and history around paintings now.
Thanks for the lovely video! One thing though: I'm stunned you mention Van Gogh but not Monet, who was influenced by Hokusai (and Japonism in general) more than anyone else in his day.
I've always thought that in some way the Great Wave inspired Van Gogh's Starry night, you can see the same shape of the wave in Vincent's painting, in the sky
Van Gogh was definitely a huge fan of Japanese art. I went to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and it is a fact that he became obsessed with the Japanese art style when the Dutch traders brought back some Japanese art
I love it when you find out a piece that is known by everyone was just one in a series or considered "cheap art" while outlasting much of its high class versions. It's amazing.
I am truly impressed by the details of the water, the wave, the fingers on the edge of the wave, the droplets painted in the image. This great wave picture was featured in a show a photographer made. He showed super slow motion and stills of waves, it showed the details where just like “the great wave” painting. Details the naked human eye cannot see. But this amazing painter somehow captured them. Amazing
Super summary, thank you! The only thing I didn't hear you mention is the fact that Westerners interpret the image from left to right, but Japanese people interpret the image from right to left. This changes it from "giant wave about to engulf fishing boats" (Western reading) to "fishing boats approach giant wave" (Japanese reading) which is a subtle but meaningful difference. Nevertheless, great video!
So many times I stand in front of a painting, trying to 'see' what people 'see', to 'appreciate' the 'brilliance' claimed by so many people...yet I fail. Thanks for explanations, and much more importantly, the education. You got me 'subscribed' just after 1 video (Van Gogh). Much appreciated!
I spy with my little eye David Bull rubbing on a layer of ink. I had the privilege of visiting his shop in late 2019 when I visited Japan. Super cool guy and amazing story teller. Thanks for a great video and insight!
This morning I saw a Georgia O’Keeffe painting of the mountain Pedernal in New Mexico. She was obsessed with painting it. Later in the afternoon I watched a short video on Cezanne’s obsession with painting the mountain Sainte Victoire. I end the evening with this painting and the artist’s paintings of Mr. Fuji. I knew the Impressionists were fascinated and inspired by Japanese art. And, I can see the progression now. I didn’t know the Japanese were inspired by the Dutch. What a full circle it became with Vincent. He was born in 1853, the same year Japan’s borders were opened. I just love the bread crumbs that connect the dots!
Great! I am a Jazz Saxophonist and have played many times in Japan and am deeply impressed by the art produced during this period of isolation from .......
I'd love to see some more non euro-centric art discussed here! Especially Islamic art! I feel it's so rarely talked about with the respect that this channel gives to the art, artists, and cultures.
Such a fabulous episode. I love this image so much. Your explanation of how it was conceived, painted, and reproduced, and the cultural setting in which it lived was fascinating. Thank You
Thank you for showing the printing process - I've seen it before but I never tire of seeing craftsmen at work. I also enjoyed the animation at the beginning of the video - very nifty! And, as ever, a great explanation of the artwork. Thank you.
I had the pleasure of watching a printmaker make a copy of the Great Wave, in all places, Singapore. He was part of a cultural troupe touring the region and I learned a few things: 1. The woodblocks and most of their equipment need to be made from specific old cherry trees that are becoming harder to find. 2. To preserve traditional arts, the govt provides a stipend to nationally acknowledged artists/craftsman. Unfortunately most of the masters are in their 80s/90s, coupled with low birth rates and very long apprenticeships (10+ years is common) very few young ppl are interested. The printmaker I met was in his 40s and considered young. The govt had to ask the old masters to accelerate the knowledge transfer.
The piece playing in the background is. Debussy’s La mer one of the most beautiful pieces of all time. It translates to the ocean great piece and great listen
One of my favorite works of art since I was a kid and first was shown it on a slide projector in one of my English classes. This is a FABULOUS video. I appreciate seeing all the other works featured here, as well as the history. I always remember history so much more when viewed through the lens of art...it serves as an “interest anchor”!
I have been obsessed with wood block printing and japanese wood block prints for so long. I learned a lot of history from this video! Thank you! Would love more like this.
I’ve never been a fan of Japanese or Chinese art, but ‘The Great Wave’ is a very powerful painting and I love it. The wave itself looks extremely menacing, almost like a giant entity and as though it has life and thought. Brilliant.
I’ve always thought the “Great Wave” was exaggeratedly narrow…..then when I watched the Tsunami video from 2011 this is EXACTLY THE SHAPE of many Tsunami waves. Happy New Year from Tokyo.
Among all your videos, this felt the most inspiring. May be because of how "the great wave" was born during and portrays the crisis Hokusai's nation was facing.
It was his choice to give up that money. How is that cruel? The world is not cruel. The world just is. Whether we call it cruel or wonderful tells more about ourselves than the world...
@@neliaferreira9983 Your attempt at trying to sound zen is admirable but for someone to have given the world something so beautiful and yet suffer so much is sad on every level and to deny that suffering is just inhuman. He gave up that money because of emotional attachment, your denial of it is perhaps also because of some emotional pain.
@@utkarsh2746 nah he was probably happy to help his grandson shit happens he was happy too supposedly so that’s all’s that matters I’d like to think using the money to help his grandson made him happy
I appreciate the love and thoroughness that you show for each and every painting that you cover. These videos bring me feelings of enjoyment in a rather dull society we currently live in and for that I thank you.
I've been immersed in everything Japan for a handful of months now, and I am delighted to say this is the first video in your channel I watched (jumped into the one about The Raft of the Medusa immediately afterwards, and saw there's so much more I am keen to watch). I knew quite a few things about the Great Wave off Kanagawa, but I also learned so much more, especially about the artist and the process of woodblock printing. I subscribed immediately and will definitely be coming back for more! Your work is flawless, and the classical music makes things even better 💜
I'm so grateful for your work to produce this series. I learned a lot from this video - not just about the painting but about Japan's history and culture in general. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge in such a high quality format!
Thanks for the clarity of your exposition. I hadn't realized the extent and long duration of Japan's isolation. This explains the huge impact Japanese art had when it did finally arrive in the West.
I've known it's a masterpiece and it's awesome, but never know why it is so great. I might never have had a chance to acknowledge these artworks until I, fortunately, found this channel. Thank you for sharing these precious pieces of stuff. The world needs art and beauty, especially now, during this devastating pandemic. And the people need art desperately to heal and find the right direction back to trace. Your work is honorable and it means a lot.
I'd wager that the isolation improves the interest and demand for Japanese art. We may examine how the mass symbols produced in American art through the lens of artists such as Warhol (see Campbell's Soup Cans and Shot Marilyns) diminish the perceived value of art to some degree and instead facilitate cheap reprography. What I gather is that Japan not only mass-produced art but by intertwining it with social stratification created a demand for high-quality art that would or may have become a talking piece and thus increasing abilities for social mobility. Do correct me if I am wrong, thank you.
I was an impulsive 27 year old and decided I wanted to have this print tattooed on my chest. No regrets, and this vid helped me learn even more about it. Love it.
Wonderful work. Thank you for the time you are sharing with us to produce these. My local art school has closed, in short because of the virus. So these are like my little slice of art history class and I'm so thankful for it. Know that your efforts are seen and are inspiring people who are excited to keep learning with you. Catch you on the next one ☕
Being an amateur painter I really enjoy your videos very much. So much to learn and discover! I thought "The Great Wave" was a piece of modern art. What a surprise! I have still 7 years to go before "the real stuff" that's worth bothering should come out of my paintbrush. So let's get going ;-) Thank you for your videos!
I've watched all your videos multiple times now, seeing this in my recommendations made my day! I'm especially looking forward to your Goya analysis. The 'Third of May' is an excellent subject, but you could conceivably create a whole series on his 'Black Paintings' alone, not to mention the Disasters of War, Los Caprichos etc. So keep up the great work, and bring on the Goya! :)
wow! - this detailed exploration deserves plaudits equal to those given to the paintings he explores - thanks for the history - and thanks for the quick and crystal clear overview of the woodblock process
Thank you for creating these amaizing videos. Don't ever stop please! It is like having a great art teacher that I always wanted but never had....until now:))
Excellent Information. Thank you. In the early 1970's I bought a gold and blue folding screen of "The Great Wave" that sat on my desk for years. I always loved it. I have been to Japan and it is a special experience.
I love how TH-cam randomly puts videos like this on my feed. Excellent research done! Inspiring, enlightening, and truly educational. Thank you for making this for free!
I’m not an “arty” person but I love your videos after discovering them today. The “Nighthawks” one came up in my recommendations, absolutely fascinating, engaging and meticulously researched
Thank you for this beautiful exploration. One interesting aspect of Japanese art is how the traditional tategaki (縦書き) writing system of vertical columns read from the right to the left affects understanding of images. In "The Great Wave", the first seen right hand side of the image with the boats, mountain and smoother waves seems almost serene, but then the view shifts to the left hand side, dominated by the foam-topped huge wave. This of course ties in nicely with your note of a warning of an uncertain future. A western viewer might view it in the opposite direction, left to right, and thus only take in the boats and the mountain afterwards.
I love that you put Debussy's La Mer playing over this video at the beginning. That piece is my favorite orchestral piece of all time and this work of art is also my favorite of all time. Debussy used it as the cover for his piece La Mer. Those two works of art will always be linked in my eyes. I absolutely love how you played the beginning of La Mer at the end 16:38, nice way to end the video.
Gotta admit... When you mentioned the Dutch landscapes I was immediately reminded of Mondrian's early paintings. And my eyes watered in emotion in that last transition to Van Gogh's Starry Night
It blows me away with how meticulous and nuanced you had to be to print paper back in the day. It's amazing how unique everything feels in the production process.
I love how you include the life of the artist, a painting's history and background and the technique used to make it ❤️ great job! Greetings from Poland 🇵🇱
Love how you discuss the history of the artist or country and provide a background about the piece. I don’t know how I missed this channel. Thank you 🙏🏻
The first time I was made aware of this painting, it was as an example of the use of negative space. I think it was in Scott McCloud's Understanding Comics. The inverted wave creates tension for the eyes.
Great Art Explained totally unique merchandise available here - crowdmade.com/collections/greatartexplained
Your intro is rather incorrect. Trade was conducted with the Chinese, Koreans, and Dutch even during the Edo period.
.
@@yo2trader539 yes - some trading was done, on a very small scale and on a very limited basis. The port was also moved to Dejima, Nagasaki, out of the way. I think that justifies the expression “cut themselves off from the outside world”?
This is the kind of stuff you watch to procrastinate without guilt. Love your videos!
Exactly why I'm here...
Thanks so much 🙏
Exactly why I here too....
Relatable 🤣
I’m just “looking for inspiration” lol
"Everything I've done before the age of seventy is not worth bothering with." Man, what a balm for my anxious soul worrying about having reached 30...! I think I needed to hear that xd
I feel you, man! I'm in the same boat.
@@dictablogger4037 Woman :) Thanks!
Lol. Old people
Yeah, it's really an incredible detail! The part where it mentions that the age of 60 is celebrated as a rebirth is very refreshing, and it's the same in my culture too! The other bit about Hokusai's belief that 'the older he gets, the better he becomes' is true to how much life there's left to live! Capitalism, its poor infrastructure and systems have convinced young people that one becomes worthless the moment they become unproductive (and productivity being judged by what can essentially be called 'industry standards' instead of being tied to different people and their abilities), so there's so much more I found in this video than just art and its history!
Imagine how I feel. I AM 70 this year!!!!! LOL
I have a puzzle of the great wave framed in my bedroom and just finished reading a book on Hokusai himself. I'm still pondering about something he said: ‘Until the age of 70, nothing I drew was worthy of notice. When I reach 80 years I hope to have made increasing progress, and at 90 to see further into the underlying principles of things, so that at 100 years I will have achieved a divine state in my art and at 110 every dot and every stroke will be as though alive.’
I love this mentality of continuously growing and learning, because it shows that age is not a limit when it comes to developing oneself; quite the contrary.
Do you remember what the book was called? I would love to read it!
also want to know the name of this book pls!!
Reminds me of the word "Ikigai".
@@shifufuu what does ikigia mean?
@@RainbowSkittles1242 a reason for being; the thing that gets you up in the morning. It's a Japanese concept/way of life that promotes longevity and serenity.
Some extra trivia for those who didn’t notice the soundtrack: a very famous piece of music that was inspired by the Great Wave was Debussy’s “La Mer”.
Bien sûr.
wow! Thanks! I know that piece but was so caught up in the fascinating narrative I didn't hear any music...
Yes! Great choice!
Just speaks volume of how well researched are his videos.
I love Debussy
The cool thing about prints like these is that there isn't an original. Having it as a poster is as authentic as the first print. That's what it's supposed to be.
Well said
What you'd want is a print made in the traditional way and not just from a photocopier like all prints you find in the stores
The man in the Technique section is David Bull in Japan, His prints are extraordinary and made with care and attention - mokuhankan.com/index.html
I have to partially disagree, HippoButtSecks said it well. As long as it is created using the original blocks in a traditional way, then its an original. A photocopy printed digitally is a copy
@@LinXXX03 It's woodblock printing. Those original blocks only last for a certain number of prints. After that you have to make new ones.
I've had a picture of that painting up on a wall for 3 years, only just now seeing the boats... I gotta start paying more attention to stuff, geez
Same... mine is still up and I had to take a good look at it after this
I've never seen the boats or the mountain. I Thought it was just another wave in the distance.
Y'all mofos are f-ing insane. But I get your point. Before I started looking at art more carefully, I never remembered boats or the Mountain which I thought was just another wave.
@@powerofberzerker9487 how are they insane if they did what you did tho
@@papasscooperiaworker3649 I have taken a quick look at the painting couple of times but never really looked at it closely. Once I did, I noticed both the boats and the mountain. Until that point, from the quick glances, I'd always remembered the main wave and waves but that's about it. These bastards have the painting at home and didn't see the boats... I've only seen it on the internet.
I'm a scientist with great enthusiasm for art but not a lot of knowledge of it. Channels like this one help fill the gaps in my long but specialized education. This makes me so grateful to live in the era of the internet and of content creators.
Thanks for watching 🙏
What I love about these videos is that they give historical context. I was always told in Art class that Europeans were heavily inspired by the Japanese, but just now I could finally understand why it made a huge impact on them.
One of the biggest commodities at this time in Edo (now Tokyo) was fresh seasonal fish. You figure that Japan being an island would have all sorts of fish throughout the entire year, but it happens that the warm seasonal currents of the Pacifics would bring different schools of fish like mackerel and tuna at different times. The three intrepid boats in Hokusai's The Wave are not fishermen, but teamster delivery boats that were known for their speed and bravery in facing the rough sea surrounding the island. The team consisted of 10 strong men, 8 rowing nonstop with 2 alternating and resting every so often. In the wood print, you actually can see the team rowing in the back of the boats and the two extra men resting in between the team and the precious cargo at the front of the boat. These boats were designed to cut through the giant waves and were airtight so that even if the waves would crush over them they could continue rowing through them. Needless to say that these men were considered to be the Dare Devils of the sea and idealized by common people. A perfect subject for Hokusai who was well known for depicting the working class.
Good context!
I feel like it balances the video's more anxious perspective of the painting.
Hokusai-sensei believed in the common man to navigate adversity.
I’m Japanese and love this era of art but wow, your research has given me all new understanding, thank you 🙏🏼
Thanks 🙏
When the image transposed from The Great Wave to Starry Night, I gasped a little bit and got goose bumps. Those are the kinds of little secrets and back-stories that absolutely intrigue me and your videos never disappoint to provide them. I can't wait for the next video!!
I got goosebumps too! My jaw was on the floor.
it was my same reaction as well cuz i just saw the starry night's video yesterday !
@@watermelonsugaberry omg same!
D:
SAAAME. MY HEART JUMPED.
The last name (The most left column 11:56 ) of Hokusai is "画狂老人卍" (Gakyo Rojin Manji) which means Painting-Crazy Old Man Manji (Fortune Symbol).
that's interesting :-)
Is that why Japanese artists changed their name so often? They made up joking pseudonyms with meaning behind them? Genuine question, and if yes, that's so cool! :)
@@weareallbornmad410 i don't actually know the answer to this but when kanji is used in names it has two meanings(they have Chinese and Japanese readings), so sometimes one is just a name and the other might be something that has this type of meaning
A great artist with chuu-ni-byou in 19th, interesting
Thank you .😁
Being a Japanese, I must admit a fact: I'm taken aback, although the most of the nation would share the sensation. This can't be found in ordinary common knowledge of the public. An impressive content with awe sprinkled everywhere. Greatly appreciated for an elaborate work backed with wide & deep researches on top of a pick of Hokusai!
I don't know why TH-cam recommended this but I am so happy it did. The knowledge being offered is astounding
Great video!! Vincent Van Gogh was a lover of Japanese art. Many of his paintings were inspired by Japanese prints- the sky in Starry Night being the quintessential version.
Nobody ever talks about his "japanese period". I never understood that.
hmmmm. i never knew von gogh admired / loved japanese art. wow. & some of van gogh's paintings were inspired by that art. good to know. sometimes i really love the comments from a zillion websitres, as i will learn something new to me -- like here! so thanks very much for sharing this! =0)
Interresting because Van Gogh and Japanese art is my favourite
many yes, in total an very marginal number, nothing he is famous for
@@zeldapinwheel7043 because nobody cared, thats why
The skill of the woodcarvers is crazy.
I studied and practiced the art at bendigo university.
wake up babe new Great Art Explained video just dropped
😂
It gives me goosebumps to think about the sheer magnitude of thoughts that go throughthe artists minds when they sit down and create these artworks. Reading paintings is like getting an insight into the mind of the artist himself. and its truly wonderful.
Unlike Lensa AI taking over art today!
I turn 70 this year, so I guess I'd better get started with the best part of my life. Oh boy!
Hokusai gets inspired by Dutch paintings and imbues European techniques into traditional Japanese woodblock prints, then later Gogh gets inspiration from Hokusai’s prints, and imbues Japanese techniques into traditional European paintings… It’s just like all these people from different times and places having intimate conversations about each other sharing their life views. Art is so pure, profound and incredible.
Better analysis of this piece than when I saw this piece in person at an exhibition curated by 'professionals' and 'experts'.
Very nice.
yes I saw this in London and had to shuffle past more quickly than I would have liked.....no real text tovexplain it either.
“Art has a life of it’s own.” If this were a book, I would highlight this section. I never felt the threat in this print that the narrator talks about. Japanese until the modern era were always considered skilled coastal sailors. In this art, I’ve always seen the challenge between man and the sea. The danger - yes. The beauty and exhilaration of the sea - oh yes. The safety of land and the call of home (Fuji) - yes. But not the conflict of the times. I really appreciate the different perspective! Thank you!
i believe the idea that “everything has a life force/spirit” was popular in japanese shinto religion
Why do people highlight books? Everytime I see it done i ask the people, have you reread it since the first read, if no why would you ever highlight something and not just copy it somewhere else. You obviously aren't coming back to it anytime soon. But seriously, did you have to go with the most hipster response? This quote has been repeated for thousands of years, of course art has a life of its own, no one truly understands the artists enough to appreciate the true point of a piece of art, thusly its the observer who MAKES UP their own interpretation. Like the mona Lisa, its a portrait theres not supposed to be much connotations, its amazing that its so famous
@@jamesmeppler6375 Interesting comments! Why highlight? I highlight those words which resonate deeply with my experience and beliefs. And I appreciate those wordsmiths who can express simply what I have not had the words for until I hear their ‘voice’. All my adult life as an artist, I have heard that only ‘originality’ is the highest measure of the value of art, thought, or endeavor. I applaud and celebrate originality but that is not the only or best measure of ‘art’ or thought. I think there is a snobbery in that exclusionary view that underestimates the artistic value of learning and teaching and perfected technique and craftsmanship. Finally, not everyone is as well read or spoken as you think they should be. You might consider that some of us are apprentices beginning our journey and just delighting in our discoveries.
@@jamesmeppler6375 Did you really have to be so pedantic about a totally harmless comment?
@@jamesmeppler6375 my brother in christ....
Okay... I was looking for a video on how to appreciate art. I am just starting my journey in this at 30 yo and I just watched this video and I must just say thank you. I have a puzzle 2000 pieces of this painting and I wanted to know more too. I am in love now.
Please leave a comment (even a short one) and "like" the video. It really helps promote the channel on TH-cam. I appreciate it! James
incredible fine art that was "printed"... and all of that is too the origin of manga and anime...
:)
With pleasure! I’m a musician but this channel is helping me draw parallels between the art form and painting. I actually love learning about culture and history around paintings now.
Thanks for the lovely video! One thing though: I'm stunned you mention Van Gogh but not Monet, who was influenced by Hokusai (and Japonism in general) more than anyone else in his day.
@@Kiyoone qqq11qqqq1qqqq1
So well done: an image we are all so familiar with, yet we know so little about.
Van Gogh was in awe of Hokusai and an avid collector of duplicate woodblock prints... 🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵
Van Gogh is my favourite painter ! He greatly admired Japanese art. ❤️
I've always thought that in some way the Great Wave inspired Van Gogh's Starry night, you can see the same shape of the wave in Vincent's painting, in the sky
@nmd d please stop
Van Gogh was definitely a huge fan of Japanese art. I went to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and it is a fact that he became obsessed with the Japanese art style when the Dutch traders brought back some Japanese art
so your saying van gogh was an early weeb? i like it ^.^
I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR SOO LONG FOR A NEW ART DISCUSSION AND HERE IT IS🎨👨🎨
Thanks 🙏
I love it when you find out a piece that is known by everyone was just one in a series or considered "cheap art" while outlasting much of its high class versions. It's amazing.
I’m an art teacher and showing these to my students is a great way to get them interested in learning art history! Thanks so much
Thank you for teaching art! 🙏
Our art history teacher also gave us an assignment on this video
I am japanese
I am truly impressed by the details of the water, the wave, the fingers on the edge of the wave, the droplets painted in the image. This great wave picture was featured in a show a photographer made. He showed super slow motion and stills of waves, it showed the details where just like “the great wave” painting. Details the naked human eye cannot see. But this amazing painter somehow captured them. Amazing
Super summary, thank you! The only thing I didn't hear you mention is the fact that Westerners interpret the image from left to right, but Japanese people interpret the image from right to left. This changes it from "giant wave about to engulf fishing boats" (Western reading) to "fishing boats approach giant wave" (Japanese reading) which is a subtle but meaningful difference. Nevertheless, great video!
素晴らしい着目点ですね！
Hulu or Discovery+ needs to give u a weekly show with 24 episodes. Great work
Why is this so true. Give this man a budget and a show, I’d love it!!
@@happy6146 What would Sister Wendy say?
@@Leftatalbuquerque That you should not read 'stun amogus' backwards
This show should be on Netflix
PBS
So many times I stand in front of a painting, trying to 'see' what people 'see', to 'appreciate' the 'brilliance' claimed by so many people...yet I fail.
Thanks for explanations, and much more importantly, the education. You got me 'subscribed' just after 1 video (Van Gogh).
Much appreciated!
I spy with my little eye David Bull rubbing on a layer of ink. I had the privilege of visiting his shop in late 2019 when I visited Japan. Super cool guy and amazing story teller.
Thanks for a great video and insight!
He is amazing and gave me permission to use his videos - a nice man! Thanks 🙏
This morning I saw a Georgia O’Keeffe painting of the mountain Pedernal in New Mexico. She was obsessed with painting it. Later in the afternoon I watched a short video on Cezanne’s obsession with painting the mountain Sainte Victoire. I end the evening with this painting and the artist’s paintings of Mr. Fuji. I knew the Impressionists were fascinated and inspired by Japanese art. And, I can see the progression now. I didn’t know the Japanese were inspired by the Dutch. What a full circle it became with Vincent. He was born in 1853, the same year Japan’s borders were opened. I just love the bread crumbs that connect the dots!
Great! I am a Jazz Saxophonist and have played many times in Japan and am deeply impressed by the art produced during this period of isolation from .......
My cafe customer dropped of the book of the 36 views of Mt Fuji by Hokusai the other day since he knew how much I loved this artwork. 💟
I'd love to see some more non euro-centric art discussed here! Especially Islamic art! I feel it's so rarely talked about with the respect that this channel gives to the art, artists, and cultures.
I agree with you - the issue for me is unfamiliarity - I do however have a few non European planned - thanks for watching 🙏
@@GreatArtExplained Take your time with your research. We trust in your capability to produce quality work. Keep it up
@@GreatArtExplained :D
yess!! i'd be SO happy to see islamic and middle eastern art as its so often swept under the rug despite its beauty!
Lovely german shepherd you have there
This channel has become my own Netflix! In love with everything it has to offer. All of a sudden procrastination doesn't feel like a sin anymore :D
Such a fabulous episode.
I love this image so much.
Your explanation of how it was conceived, painted, and reproduced, and the cultural setting in which it lived was fascinating.
Thank You
wow its amazing how much history can be told from a painting. this is amazing, thank you for your work!! looking forward to more
Thanks 🙏
Thank you for showing the printing process - I've seen it before but I never tire of seeing craftsmen at work. I also enjoyed the animation at the beginning of the video - very nifty! And, as ever, a great explanation of the artwork. Thank you.
I had the pleasure of watching a printmaker make a copy of the Great Wave, in all places, Singapore.
He was part of a cultural troupe touring the region and I learned a few things:
1. The woodblocks and most of their equipment need to be made from specific old cherry trees that are becoming harder to find.
2. To preserve traditional arts, the govt provides a stipend to nationally acknowledged artists/craftsman.
Unfortunately most of the masters are in their 80s/90s, coupled with low birth rates and very long apprenticeships (10+ years is common) very few young ppl are interested. The printmaker I met was in his 40s and considered young. The govt had to ask the old masters to accelerate the knowledge transfer.
So cool!
re. your second point, I faintly recall from a film that maybe the Japanese gov calls them Living Treasures?
The piece playing in the background is. Debussy’s La mer one of the most beautiful pieces of all time. It translates to the ocean great piece and great listen
Glad to see you linked David Bull's channel in the description. Anyone wanting to learn more about Japanese art will find a rich resource there.
Ironically, Starry Night and The Great Wave are my favorite paintings of all time. Thanks for the content.
Me tooooo!!!!
Yess me too!!
Alanis? Morrisette? is that you? ;)
One of my favorite works of art since I was a kid and first was shown it on a slide projector in one of my English classes. This is a FABULOUS video. I appreciate seeing all the other works featured here, as well as the history. I always remember history so much more when viewed through the lens of art...it serves as an “interest anchor”!
These videos change the way I see and think about these and other paintings, I learn so much from watching them! Thanks for the great content
I have been obsessed with wood block printing and japanese wood block prints for so long. I learned a lot of history from this video! Thank you! Would love more like this.
This image has haunted me for years. I instantly fell in love with it on seeing it. It is wonderful to know more about it. Thank you.
Seriously one of my favorite youtube channels. What a gem
I’ve never been a fan of Japanese or Chinese art, but ‘The Great Wave’ is a very powerful painting and I love it.
The wave itself looks extremely menacing, almost like a giant entity and as though it has life and thought.
Brilliant.
I literally clapped at the end when you mentioned that connection!! ❤️ Waiting for th next video!
Thanks 🙏
I’ve always thought the “Great Wave” was exaggeratedly narrow…..then when I watched the Tsunami video from 2011 this is EXACTLY THE SHAPE of many Tsunami waves. Happy New Year from Tokyo.
Among all your videos, this felt the most inspiring. May be because of how "the great wave" was born during and portrays the crisis Hokusai's nation was facing.
This channel deserves more love!! Can't believe I found this only today.
The fact he died penniless having to pay off his grand son's gambling debts just shows how cruel our world is.
Yes I agree!
It was his choice to give up that money. How is that cruel?
The world is not cruel. The world just is. Whether we call it cruel or wonderful tells more about ourselves than the world...
😔 Poor old man...
@@neliaferreira9983 Your attempt at trying to sound zen is admirable but for someone to have given the world something so beautiful and yet suffer so much is sad on every level and to deny that suffering is just inhuman. He gave up that money because of emotional attachment, your denial of it is perhaps also because of some emotional pain.
@@utkarsh2746 nah he was probably happy to help his grandson shit happens he was happy too supposedly so that’s all’s that matters I’d like to think using the money to help his grandson made him happy
How i wait with eagerness for every new upload
Please please never stop
Thank you 🙏
I agree :-)
Was amazed to learn that this painting i have seen so many times online is an old classic, marvelous.
I appreciate the love and thoroughness that you show for each and every painting that you cover. These videos bring me feelings of enjoyment in a rather dull society we currently live in and for that I thank you.
I've been immersed in everything Japan for a handful of months now, and I am delighted to say this is the first video in your channel I watched (jumped into the one about The Raft of the Medusa immediately afterwards, and saw there's so much more I am keen to watch). I knew quite a few things about the Great Wave off Kanagawa, but I also learned so much more, especially about the artist and the process of woodblock printing.
I subscribed immediately and will definitely be coming back for more! Your work is flawless, and the classical music makes things even better 💜
I'm so grateful for your work to produce this series. I learned a lot from this video - not just about the painting but about Japan's history and culture in general. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge in such a high quality format!
You are one of my new favorite channels keep up the good work.
Thanks 🙏
Thanks for the clarity of your exposition. I hadn't realized the extent and long duration of Japan's isolation. This explains the huge impact Japanese art had when it did finally arrive in the West.
I've known it's a masterpiece and it's awesome, but never know why it is so great. I might never have had a chance to acknowledge these artworks until I, fortunately, found this channel. Thank you for sharing these precious pieces of stuff. The world needs art and beauty, especially now, during this devastating pandemic. And the people need art desperately to heal and find the right direction back to trace. Your work is honorable and it means a lot.
love the way you lay necessary historical background and how you describe the painting to make it easy to understand, and appreciate the masterpiece.
It's really interesting to think how the art world might have turned out if Japan hadn't been so isolated. Great video btw!
Thanks 🙏
I'd wager that the isolation improves the interest and demand for Japanese art. We may examine how the mass symbols produced in American art through the lens of artists such as Warhol (see Campbell's Soup Cans and Shot Marilyns) diminish the perceived value of art to some degree and instead facilitate cheap reprography. What I gather is that Japan not only mass-produced art but by intertwining it with social stratification created a demand for high-quality art that would or may have become a talking piece and thus increasing abilities for social mobility. Do correct me if I am wrong, thank you.
@@nathanfernandez5143 yeah I certainly agree. I was more thinking how the actual art would have turned out differently across the world
You ever hear the tragedy of Darth Plagueis the wise?
This was the first video that introduced me to this channel and ever since then I’ve watched every episode. I could watch these videos all day ☺️
Thanks!
I was an impulsive 27 year old and decided I wanted to have this print tattooed on my chest. No regrets, and this vid helped me learn even more about it. Love it.
Wonderful work. Thank you for the time you are sharing with us to produce these. My local art school has closed, in short because of the virus. So these are like my little slice of art history class and I'm so thankful for it. Know that your efforts are seen and are inspiring people who are excited to keep learning with you. Catch you on the next one ☕
Thanks 🙏
Thank you very much. From Japan🇯🇵
The charm of Ukiyo-e was discovered by people overseas.
Being an amateur painter I really enjoy your videos very much. So much to learn and discover! I thought "The Great Wave" was a piece of modern art. What a surprise!
I have still 7 years to go before "the real stuff" that's worth bothering should come out of my paintbrush. So let's get going ;-) Thank you for your videos!
Thank you for your great work! I appreciate this channel as an excellent source of knowledge so very much. I wish you all the best for 2025!
Thanks so much - I appreciate that 🙏
Your channel is the reason I believe that TH-cam algorithm still works! This is marvellous!
What a weird coincidence, I was JUST thinking of the Great Wave the other day. So nice to learn more about it
I just finished painting a version in oils the other day so I'm definitely feel coincidence
I've watched all your videos multiple times now, seeing this in my recommendations made my day!
I'm especially looking forward to your Goya analysis. The 'Third of May' is an excellent subject, but you could conceivably create a whole series on his 'Black Paintings' alone, not to mention the Disasters of War, Los Caprichos etc.
So keep up the great work, and bring on the Goya! :)
Beautifully explained video of Hokasi' work, the history of 200 years of isolation. I have always loved the woodblocks and the process.
wow! - this detailed exploration deserves plaudits equal to those given to the paintings he explores - thanks for the history - and thanks for the quick and crystal clear overview of the woodblock process
Excited for Van Gogh🙌🏻🖤
And I am ready for him to discuss Vincent with us for hours 🥰
Yes me too!
This series should be called „art great(ly) explained“. I love the load of historical Information in it. Such a pleasure to watch. Thank you guys!
Thank you for creating these amaizing videos. Don't ever stop please! It is like having a great art teacher that I always wanted but never had....until now:))
Excellent Information. Thank you. In the early 1970's I bought a gold and blue folding screen of "The Great Wave" that sat on my desk for years. I always loved it. I have been to Japan and it is a special experience.
I love how TH-cam randomly puts videos like this on my feed. Excellent research done! Inspiring, enlightening, and truly educational. Thank you for making this for free!
I'm amazed by the detail and work that went into this video. You have gained a fan
I’m not an “arty” person but I love your videos after discovering them today. The “Nighthawks” one came up in my recommendations, absolutely fascinating, engaging and meticulously researched
Thank you for this beautiful exploration.
One interesting aspect of Japanese art is how the traditional tategaki (縦書き) writing system of vertical columns read from the right to the left affects understanding of images. In "The Great Wave", the first seen right hand side of the image with the boats, mountain and smoother waves seems almost serene, but then the view shifts to the left hand side, dominated by the foam-topped huge wave. This of course ties in nicely with your note of a warning of an uncertain future. A western viewer might view it in the opposite direction, left to right, and thus only take in the boats and the mountain afterwards.
Good point!
Holy crap I just found this gem of a channel! Down in the rabbit hole RIGHT NOW!
I love that you put Debussy's La Mer playing over this video at the beginning. That piece is my favorite orchestral piece of all time and this work of art is also my favorite of all time. Debussy used it as the cover for his piece La Mer. Those two works of art will always be linked in my eyes. I absolutely love how you played the beginning of La Mer at the end 16:38, nice way to end the video.
Went to school in Japan & love its history. Thank you for sharing this
Just found this wonderful channel yesterday and I am already binge watching it. Great content !! Thank you
Thanks 🙏
Gotta admit... When you mentioned the Dutch landscapes I was immediately reminded of Mondrian's early paintings. And my eyes watered in emotion in that last transition to Van Gogh's Starry Night
You make such amazing videos. I really appreciate it a lot.
Thank you 🙏
It blows me away with how meticulous and nuanced you had to be to print paper back in the day. It's amazing how unique everything feels in the production process.
I love how you include the life of the artist, a painting's history and background and the technique used to make it ❤️ great job! Greetings from Poland 🇵🇱
I was born in Zamość, small world, we connect around similar interests (art in this case).
Kurwa
These videos are extraordinary. I am so glad I “found” them. What good fortune. 🌊
Love love love the way of explanation. Very comprehensive and clear!
This video is better than any Arts programme I've seen for many years on BBC, PBS, Sky,...great stuff
Love how you discuss the history of the artist or country and provide a background about the piece. I don’t know how I missed this channel. Thank you 🙏🏻
The first time I was made aware of this painting, it was as an example of the use of negative space. I think it was in Scott McCloud's Understanding Comics. The inverted wave creates tension for the eyes.