Exploration of Aesthetics in Art Criticism: Japanese Wood-Block Art (Ukiyo

- e)
Try this link - http://www.ukiyo-e.se/
Due On Tuesday 1-7-14

Artist: Hokusai
Name of Work of Art:_____________________________________________________
Kind of Artwork:
aesthetics:
adjective \es-the-tiks,
a: of, relating to, or dealing with the beautiful
b: artistic
c: pleasing in appearance : attractive
Choose one artwork and answer these Art Analysis questions:
1. What is the name of the artwork? What are the subject
and the theme of the chosen work of art?
-The artwork is called; Evening rain in Yoshiwara by HOKUSAI. Its part of
the series from
Eight famous views from Edo. The theme is, Eight Views (Hakkei).
2. How are illusions of space and volume created?
-It is the mastery of flat space that was derived from chinese classical
painting. They use Western illusion of depth (perspective). They use waterbased inks. Allowed a wide range of vivid color.
3. What ideas and/or emotions are being expressed?
-Expresses how even though it is raining in Edo, it is still considered one of
the famous views during an evening rain. The rain doesnt stop merchants
or workers from continuing their work.
Art History:
4. What social conditions existed when this work was
created?
-In the early 1800s Japan went through changes such as new public works
created and a more strengthened industrial works.
5. What artistic style is associated with this painting?
-Use of woodblock printing.
6. Who created this work of art?
-HOKUSAI created this work of art during the early 1800s.
Exploration of Aesthetics:
7. How do ordinary and master works of art differ? Is this
an example of a master work? How do you know?
-Yes because this was one of the eight famous views of Edo, now known as
modern tokyo. It is a master work because before Edo was shifted to a
more modernize society, HOKUSAI created this painting for the purpose in
which people would see Edo before it became a modernized society.
8. Why do works of art evoke emotional responses? What

emotions does this art-work evoke?

-Because people can have an emotion pull or attachment to a person,
place, or thing and seeing a painting would bring back nostalgic emotions.
This art-work brings an emotion of reminiscence to those who saw Edo
before it became tokyo.
9. How are works of art different from other objects?
-Work of art captures emotions and feelings in a person. Work of arts have
a pull to a specific person who sees it. While objects are temporary, works
of art are timeless.
10. Can there be a set of standards for what is beautiful?
How do we distinguish between beauty and ugliness?
-There is a set of boundaries but it would depend on the person. What i
might see is beautiful, you might find ugly. Opinions differ on the persons
perspective. There is a set of standards, but that is depending on the
person who sets those standards.