Large Flowers 1830 - 1833

Curator: "Large Flowers" by Katsushika Hokusai, created sometime between 1830 and 1833. It's a striking woodblock print, currently residing here at the Rijksmuseum. What's your immediate reaction? Editor: Well, the dragonfly instantly captures my eye – poised delicately as if about to dart off. The flowers are interesting; their composition almost seems deliberately flattened, focusing the attention. Curator: The dragonfly is, without a doubt, a pivotal emblem within this piece. Think about the symbolism: it embodies transformation, adaptability, and a sense of being untethered, often a bridge between the material and spiritual realms. And notice how the choice to set the camellias on long stems conveys how even these most cherished blooms are only temporarily rooted and, perhaps, how the floating life and its inherent wisdom in a landscape. Editor: Interesting. It does draw one’s eyes upwards. I’m fascinated by how Hokusai employs color. Note the subtle shifts from the creamy white to mauve within the blossoms, and the delicate inking of the veins within the leaves. These subtle nuances animate the composition. It gives the scene an ephemeral, transient beauty, accentuated with a yellow color for the canvas background. Curator: Color serves to underscore the woodblock's conceptual underpinnings as it enhances both depth and surface qualities of this scene. But it also references a long artistic history – botanical art stretches back through various cultures where blooms carry particular meanings. How can we see nature depicted in this intimate way when you think about tradition? Editor: By capturing details of each component in its natural settings such as that single dragonfly hovering amidst such glorious flora with such meticulousness as found across diverse landscapes throughout centuries. Here Hokusai emphasizes transience alongside an underlying harmony achieved between foreground planes which creates an unusual feeling of tension through simple devices found so expertly portrayed in "Large Flowers" series. Curator: Agreed, what is important is Hokusai captures that ephemeral intersection point with that delicate presence of a passing dragonfly reminding an audience everything ultimately changes regardless how enduring certain structures and institutions, etc. could prove being at any point through all stages. It evokes contemplation around our role related the cyclical aspects found deep nature. Editor: Indeed! Thankyou exploring with so insightful way! These artworks open new windows perception. What a joy getting new dimensions examined like these using these differing perspective in "Large Flowers" session !