Katsushika Hokusai: The Mad Painter

Written By Jermaine Fowler

Episode 1: The Humanity Archive Podcast

As one of the most astonishing artist in Japanese history Katsushika Hokusai (c. October 31, 1760 – May 10, 1849), sought perfection through his artwork and designs. Here we explore his extraordinary life, artistic contributions, and the world of Edo (Medieval) Japan.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

  • Discovering the man behind one of the most famous paintings in history, The Great Wave off Kanagawa.

  • Katsushika Hokusai’s humble beginnings as a starving Japanese artist, printmaker, and ukiyo-e painter.

  • How the painting a simple flag turned into one of the most prolific art careers in history.

  • Who was Hokusai? What can we learn from him?

  • Hokusai’s spectacular showmanship

  • Why Katsushika Hokusai was one of the greatest artists of all time

  • The art competition that propelled Hokusai to fame

  • The rigid social structure of Edo a Japan

  • What does an obsession with excellence look like?

  • How does one create 40,000 works of art?

Jermaine Fowler
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