Dronken tekeningen van Kyosai Possibly 1883 - 1887

Curator: Let's turn our attention to "Dronken tekeningen van Kyosai," or "Drunken Drawings by Kyosai," possibly created between 1883 and 1887. It's a sketchbook page currently held here at the Rijksmuseum. What's your initial take on this, aesthetically? Editor: Well, that striking blue almost vibrates, doesn’t it? It reminds me of twilight right before everything goes fully dark, and the overall effect is, somehow, both restrained and a little wild. Like contained chaos. Curator: I see what you mean. It’s interesting to consider that Kawanabe Kyōsai was working within a fascinating period of Japanese history – the late Edo and early Meiji eras, a time of immense social and political upheaval. These "Drunken Drawings" become especially interesting when you consider the stereotype of the uninhibited artist, especially within the historical context of increased western influence on Japan during that era. Editor: Absolutely. There's a subtle rebellion lurking, wouldn’t you say? It's the artistic spirit saying, "I’ll create beauty on my own terms, whether I’m sober or… not.” There is freedom here but it seems that Kyosai held onto Japanese traditions, which probably wasn't the norm. It also makes you wonder... How drunk *was* he really? Curator: (chuckles) A fair question. But also, perhaps the point isn't about literal intoxication, but more about the freedom from societal constraints, finding inspiration outside of conventional sources and styles. What is very relevant to highlight is how art in general acted like visual resistance to westernization. This is why considering not just what artists drew but WHY they chose to represent something helps you get to the art's inner socio-political truth. Editor: I completely agree. Maybe the drink was just a metaphor. Thinking about Kyosai now, I have this mental image of him winking as he finishes one of those drawings... Curator: He definitely challenges us to see the world through a different lens. Thank you for sharing your insights on Kyosai's personal sketchbook, this has been wonderful! Editor: The pleasure was all mine! Art is so much better with friends!