After winning the Rut Blees Luxemburg Challenge, set by @rich_t, I was left with the unbelievably difficult task of choosing the artist for Challenge #46. I think this has proved harder than finding the right picture for the last challenge, mainly because each time I thought of someone that inspired me, they had already been covered. So instead of an individual, I have decided to go for a “genre” that has long fascinated me, namely the Japanese art of Ukiyo-e (I hope this is within the rules !)
I have always loved Oriental art, but my husband has a thing about Japanese culture both ancient and modern (his dream holiday destination would be Japan) and as a result of his many books on the subject, I’ve started to gain more of an understanding of the history & traditions of Japanese Art. Ukiyo-e, which literally translated into English means "pictures of the floating world”, is a style of Japanese woodblock printing and silk painting which originates from the 17th Century and which was popular up until the early 20th century. The term “floating world” was meant to convey something of the ephemeral beauty of the natural world, the arts and entertainment. Common subjects were big landscapes, small intricate details from nature, folk stories or historic tales, geishas, courtesans and traditional Japanese theatre. You can read more about it here or Googling will turn up a wealth of information.
One of the most famous examples of the style is “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” by Katsushika Hokusai from his series known as the “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji”, which is rather confusingly made up of 46 paintings. This series shouldn’t be confused with the two equally famous series of prints known as the “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji” by Andō Hiroshige. Clearly these great artists had little imagination when it came to titles !!
So, onwards to the challenge. The rules are fairly simple: study the genre (Google will help you here) and then :
Take a photograph recreating a particular work as closely as possible to the original - but don’t forget to tell us which Artist and work !! (You can find a list of significant artists on Wikipedia !!);
Or photograph something in a style that is reminiscent of the genre – mood, light, composition, colour – whatever reminds you of the genre;
Or you could just take a concept from the genre and make it your own - let your imagination run riot, as long as it is true to the essence of “the floating world” .
The challenge will run from today (27th January) and will finish midnight (GMT) 10th February (I’m possibly going to be away next weekend, so I thought I’d give you all a bit of extra time). All pictures must have been taken and uploaded during this time period. You should tag your picture ac-ukiyo and please feel free to share on here.
Looking forward to seeing what people will do for this challenge - hopefully this quote will provide some inspiration :
“ Living only for the moment, turning our full attention to the pleasures of the moon, the snow, the cherry blossoms and the maple leaves; singing songs, drinking wine, diverting ourselves in just floating, floating; refusing to be disheartened, like a gourd floating along with the river current: this is what we call the floating world” - Assai Ryōi (1666)
Oh this is a great idea, I love the ( apparent) simplicity of japanese art and just love your shot which is an instant Fav! Will definitely try to do this challenge.
Great idea for the challenge! I visited japan in the autumn and loved it! I hope I'll be able to take some photos for this. I remember your shot and I think I faved it :-)
Exciting!
I've loved seeing what people have come up with so far - some great takes on this theme. For those that haven't entered yet - you've still got until the 10th !!
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Exciting!
Sing
Ebisu... a japanese folktale (artist's challenge: Ukiyo-e)
@alceyone
i am hoping to do one more...if life does not get in my way next week
heres mine :)
I think it is most like Katsushika Hokusai flower pictures like Poppies and Lilies. This was fun!