Why is Hokusai popular in the West?
The popularity of Katsushika Hokusai is largely due to the spread of his art, certainly through printmaking, but also through illustrated books.
During his impressive career, the artist has published dozens of works in various genres, tirelessly changing genres (from the lightest to the most serious), techniques, and styles.
Therefore, unlike his compatriots who usually choose their own specialties, Katsushika Hokusai exhibits many different aspects.
The artist first rose to prominence in the popular "yellow-backed" genre, a publication inspired by illustrated children's books designed for adults with a humorous vibe.
Katsushika Hokusai, Owari and his two Shinzo admire cherry blossoms in Nakamachi, allegorical poem, (Museum Jimei, Paris)/Harry Bréjat
On the basis of these initial successes, he subsequently published surimono - literally "printed material" - a rather sumptuous edition of his poetry, in which the artist described the morals and manners of his contemporaries ("The Pleasure of the Eastern Province").
Katsushika Hokusai was not limited to illustrations, but began to write a book: "The Tactical Brief of General Furno". But his interesting prose was not as appealing as his brushes, and the artist decided to collaborate with writers such as Kyokutei Bakin, who illustrated most of their "reading books" (yomihon) between 1804 and 1818.
He is also responsible for publishing drawing manuals in order to spread his models and methods of learning to draw to his many followers. We also have to add the illustrated programs of Kabuki, the covers of the Kabuki collection: Here again, Katsushika Hokusai touches all genres, and excels in every genre. He delightfully expresses his comic verve in "Elegant Casual: One Hundred Funny Poems". We can find this comic verve in "Riddle Comics" or "Comic Collection", and even in "Bunkyo" (cake paper)....
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