Transmitting the Spirit and Revealing the Form of Things- Hokusai's Sketchbooks 1816

Katsushika Hokusai, born in Japan in 1760, created "Transmitting the Spirit and Revealing the Form of Things- Hokusai's Sketchbooks." In this artwork, Hokusai’s figures are caught in the midst of dynamic actions, tumbling and twirling through a space that is both dreamlike and acutely observed. Hokusai lived through a period of social and economic upheaval and this is reflected in his art. The sketches invite us to consider the roles of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. The figures seem to defy gravity and social norms, as they are unburdened by traditional Japanese attire and decorum. There is a sense of freedom but also a precarity in their movements. Are they escaping from something or simply playing? Hokusai’s sketchbooks remind us that art can emerge from everyday life and offer new perspectives on the world around us. The figures in this piece are a testament to the human spirit's capacity for resilience.