Contemporary Japanese artists and their paintings. Japanese painting

Do you love Japanese painting? How much do you know about famous Japanese artists? Let's look at in this article the most famous Japanese artists who created their works in the ukiyo-e (浮世絵) style. This style of painting developed from the Edo period. The hieroglyphs used to write this style 浮世絵 literally mean “pictures (images) of a changing world”, you can read more about this direction of painting

Hishikawa Moronobu(菱川師宣, 1618-1694). Considered the founder of the ukiyo-e genre, although, in fact, he is only the first master whose life has been preserved biographical information. Moronobu was born into the family of a master of fabric dyeing and embroidery with gold and silver threads and has been engaged in the family craft for a long time, so a distinctive feature of his work is the beautifully decorated clothes of beauties, giving a wonderful artistic effect.

Having moved to Edo, he first studied painting techniques on his own, and then his studies were continued by the artist Kambun.

We have reached us mainly from Moronobu's albums, in which he depicts historical and literary subjects and books with samples of kimono patterns. The master also worked in the shunga genre, and among individual works Several depicting beautiful women have survived.

(鳥居清長, 1752-1815). Recognized at the end of the 18th century, the master Seki (Sekiguchi) Shinsuke (Ishibei) bore the pseudonym Torii Kiyonaga, which he took upon inheriting Torii's ukiyo-e school from Torii Kiyomitsu after the latter's death.

Kiyonaga was born into the family of bookseller Shirakoya Ishibei. The genre of bijinga brought him the greatest fame, although he began with yakusha-e. Subjects for engravings in the bijinga genre were taken from Everyday life: walks, festive processions, trips to nature. Among the artist’s many works, the series “Competitions of fashionable beauties from cheerful quarters”, depicting Minami, one of the “fun quarters” in the south of Edo, “12 portraits of southern beauties”, “10 types of tea shops” stand out. Distinctive feature there was a master detailed study background view and the use of techniques for depicting light and space that came from the West.

Kiyonaga gained initial fame with the 1782 resumption of the series “Fashion Samples: Models New as Spring Leaves,” begun by Koryusai in the 1770s for the publisher Nishimurai Yohachi.

(喜多川歌麿, 1753-1806). On this outstanding master ukiyo-e was significantly influenced by Torii Kiyonaga and the publisher Tsutaya Juzaburo. As a result of long-term collaboration with the latter, many albums, books with illustrations and series of engravings were published.

Despite the fact that Utamaro took subjects from the lives of simple artisans and sought to depict nature (“The Book of Insects”), fame came to him as an artist of works dedicated to the geishas of the Yoshiwara quarter (“Yoshiwara Green Houses Yearbook”).

Utamaro reached high level in expression states of mind on paper. For the first time in Japanese woodcuts he began to use bust compositions.

It was Utamaro's work that influenced the French impressionists and contributed to European interest in Japanese prints.

(葛飾北斎, 1760-1849). Hokusai's real name is Tokitaro. Probably the most widely known ukiyo-e master around the world. Throughout his career he used over thirty pseudonyms. Historians often use pseudonyms to periodize his work.

At first, Hokusai worked as a carver, whose work was limited by the artist's intentions. This fact weighed heavily on Hokusai, and he began to look for himself as an independent artist.

In 1778, he became an apprentice at the Katsukawa Shunsho studio, which specialized in yakusha-e prints. Hokusai was both a talented and very diligent student who always showed respect to his teacher, and therefore enjoyed the special favor of Shunsho. Thus, the first independent work Hokusai were in the yakusha-e genre in the form of diptychs and triptychs, and the popularity of the student equaled the popularity of the teacher. At this time, the young master had already developed his talent so much that he felt cramped within one school, and after the death of his teacher, Hokusai left the studio and studied the directions of other schools: Kano, Sotatsu (otherwise Koetsu), Rimpa, Tosa.

During this period, the artist experienced significant financial difficulties. But at the same time, his formation as a master takes place, who refuses the usual image that society demanded and searches for his own style.

In 1795, illustrations for the poetic anthology “Keka Edo Murasaki” saw the light of day. Then Hokusai painted surimono paintings, which immediately began to gain popularity, and many artists began to imitate them.

From this period, Tokitaro began to sign his works with the name Hokusai, although some of his works were published under the pseudonyms Tatsumasa, Tokitaro, Kako, Sorobek.

In 1800, the master began to call himself Gakejin Hokusai, which meant “Mad Hokusai of Painting.”

Famous series of illustrations include “36 views of Mount Fuji”, of which the most notable are “Victory Wind. Clear Day" or "Red Fuji" and " A big wave in Kanagawa”, “100 Views of Mount Fuji”, released in three albums, “Hokusai’s Manga” (北斎漫画), which is called “the encyclopedia of the Japanese people”. The artist put into “Manga” all his views on creativity and philosophy. "Manga" is the most important source for studying the life of Japan at that time, as it includes many cultural aspects. A total of twelve issues were published during the artist’s lifetime, and three more after his death:

* 1815 - II, III

* 1817 - VI, VII

* 1849 - XIII (after the death of the artist)

Hokusai's art influenced such European destinations, like Art Nouveau and French Impressionism.

(河鍋暁斎, 1831 -1889). Used the pseudonyms Seisei Kyosai, Shuransai, Baiga Dojin, and studied at the Kano school.

Unlike Hokusai, Kyosai was quite cheeky, which caused his rift with the artist Tsuboyama Tozan. After school I became independent master, although he visited her occasionally for another five years. At that time he painted kyoga, the so-called “crazy paintings.”

Among the outstanding engraving works are the One Hundred Paintings of Kyosai. As an illustrator, Kyosai creates images for short stories and novels in collaboration with other artists.

At the end of the 19th century, Europeans often visited Japan. The artist was familiar with some of them, and several of his works are now in the British Museum.

(歌川広重, 1797-1858). He worked under the pseudonym Ando Hiroshige (安藤広重) and is known for his subtle rendering of natural motifs and natural phenomena. He painted his first painting, “Mount Fuji in the Snow,” which is now kept in the Suntory Museum in Tokyo at the age of ten. The plots of early works were based on real events happening on the streets. His famous series: “100 Views of Edo”, “36 Views of Mount Fuji”, “53 Tokaido Stations”, “69 Kimokaido Stations”, “100 Famous Views of Edo”. Monet and the Russian artist Bilibin were greatly influenced by “The 53 Stations of the Tokaido Road,” painted after traveling along the East Coast Road, as well as “100 Views of Edo.” From the series in the kate-ga genre of 25 engravings, the most famous is the sheet “Sparrows over a snow-covered camellia.”

(歌川国貞, also known as Utagawa Toyokuni III (三代歌川豊国)). One of the most prominent ukiyo-e artists.

paid Special attention to kabuki actors and the theater itself - this is about 60% of all works. Also known are works in the bijinga genre and portraits of sumo wrestlers. It is known that he created from 20 to 25 thousand plots, which included 35-40 thousand sheets. He rarely turned to landscapes and warriors. Utagawa Kuniyoshi (歌川 国芳, 1798 - 1861). Born into the family of a silk dyer. Kuniyoshi began learning to draw at the age of ten while living with the Kuninao artist family. He then continued to study with Katsukawa Shun'ei, and at the age of 13 he entered the Tokuyoni workshop to study. In the first years, things are not going well for the young artist. But after receiving an order from publisher Kagaya Kichibei for five prints for the 108 Suikoden Heroes series, things started to take off. He creates the rest of the characters in the series and then moves on to others various jobs, and fifteen years later he stands on a par with Utagawa Hiroshige and Utagawa Kunisada.

After the 1842 ban on images theater scenes, actors, geishas and courtesans, Kuniyoshi writes his “cat” series, makes engravings from an educational series for housewives and children, depicts national heroes in the series “Traditions, Morals and Decency”, and by the late 1840s - early 1850s, after the easing of prohibitions, the artist returned to the theme of kabuki.

(渓斎英泉, 1790-1848). Known for his works in the bijinga genre. In his best works includes portraits of the okubi-e ("big heads") type, which are considered examples of the craftsmanship of the Bunsei era (1818-1830), when the ukiyo-e genre was in decline. The artist painted many lyrical and erotic surimono, as well as a cycle of landscapes “Sixty-nine Stations of Kisokaido”, which he was unable to complete and was completed by Hiroshige.

The novelty in the depiction of bijinga lay in a sensuality that had not previously been seen in other artists. From his works we can understand the fashion of that time. He also published biographies of the “Forty-Seven Ronin” and wrote several other books, including “The History of Ukiyo-e Printings” (Ukiyo-e ruiko), containing biographies of artists. And in “Notes of a Nameless Elder” he described himself as a depraved drunkard and former owner a brothel in Nedzu that burned to the ground in the 1830s.

Suzuki Harunobu (鈴木春信, 1724-1770). The artist's real name is Hozumi Jirobei. He is the discoverer of ukiyo-e polychrome printing. He attended the Kano School and studied painting. Then, under the influence of Shigenaga Nishimura and Torii Kiyomitsu, woodblock printing became his hobby. Prints in two or three colors had been made since the beginning of the 18th century, and Harunobu began painting in ten colors, using three boards and combining three colors - yellow, blue and red.

He excelled in depicting street scenes and paintings in the shunga genre. And from the 1760s, he was one of the first to portray Kabuki actors. His works influenced E. Manet and E. Degas.

(小原古邨, 1877 - 1945). His real name is Matao Ohara. Depicted scenes from the Russo-Japanese and Sino-Japanese wars. However, after the photograph appeared, his work began to sell poorly, and he began to earn a living by teaching at school fine arts in Tokyo. In 1926, Ernest Felloza, curator of Japanese art at the Boston Museum, persuaded Ohara to return to painting, and the artist began depicting birds and flowers, and his work sold well abroad.

(伊藤若冲, 1716 - 1800). He stood out among other artists for his eccentricity and lifestyle, which consisted of friendship with many cultural and religious figures of that time. He depicted animals, flowers and birds in a very exotic form. He was very famous and accepted orders for painting screens and temple paintings.

(鳥居清信, 1664-1729). One of the most important representatives of the early period of ukiyo-e. Despite the great influence of his teacher Hishikawa Monorobu, he became the founder of the yakusha-e genre in the depiction of posters and posters and invented his own style. The actors were depicted in special poses in the role brave heroes and were painted in
noble orange color, and the villains were drawn in blue colors. To depict passion, the artist invented special type mimizugaki drawing is winding lines with alternating thin and thick strokes and combined with a grotesque image of the muscles of the limbs.

Torii Kiyonobu is the founder of the Torii dynasty of artists. His students were Torii Kiyomasu, Torii Kiyoshige I, and Torii Kiyomitsu.

Who is your favorite ukiyo-e artist?

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Has very rich history; its tradition is vast, with Japan's unique position in the world greatly influencing the dominant styles and techniques of Japanese artists. Known fact That Japan was quite isolated for many centuries is due not only to geography, but also to the dominant Japanese cultural tendency toward isolation that has marked the country's history. During the centuries of what we might call “Japanese civilization,” culture and art developed separately from those in the rest of the world. And this is even noticeable in the practice of Japanese painting. For example, Nihonga paintings are among the main works of Japanese painting practice. It is based on over a thousand years of tradition, and the paintings are usually created with brushes on either Vashi (Japanese paper) or Egina (silk).

However, Japanese art and painting were influenced by foreign artistic practices. First, it was Chinese art in the 16th century and Chinese art and the Chinese art tradition, which was particularly influential in several respects. As of the 17th century japanese painting was also influenced Western traditions. In particular, during the pre-war period, which lasted from 1868 to 1945, Japanese painting was influenced by impressionism and European romanticism. At the same time, new European artistic movements were also significantly influenced by Japanese artistic techniques. In art history, this influence is called "Japaneseism", and it is especially significant for the Impressionists, Cubists and artists associated with modernism.

Long story Japanese painting can be seen as a synthesis of several traditions that create parts of a recognized Japanese aesthetic. First of all, Buddhist art and painting methods, as well as religious painting, left a significant mark on the aesthetics of Japanese paintings; water-ink painting of landscapes in the tradition of Chinese literary painting - another important element, recognized in many famous Japanese paintings; paintings of animals and plants, especially birds and flowers, are what are commonly associated with Japanese compositions, as are landscapes and scenes from everyday life. Finally, ancient ideas about beauty from the philosophy and culture of Ancient Japan had a great influence on Japanese painting. Wabi, which means transient and rugged beauty, sabi (the beauty of natural patina and aging), and yugen (deep grace and subtlety) continue to influence ideals in the practice of Japanese painting.

Finally, if we concentrate on selecting the ten most famous Japanese masterpieces, we must mention ukiyo-e, which is one of the most popular genres of art in Japan, even though it belongs to printmaking. It dominated Japanese art from the 17th to 19th centuries, with artists belonging to this genre creating woodcuts and paintings of subjects such as beautiful girls, Kabuki actors and sumo wrestlers, as well as scenes from history and folk tales, travel scenes and landscapes, flora and fauna and even erotica.

It is always difficult to compile a list of the best paintings from artistic traditions. Many amazing works will be excluded; however, this list features ten of the most recognizable Japanese paintings in the world. This article will present only paintings created from the 19th century to the present day.

Japanese painting has an extremely rich history. Over the centuries, Japanese artists have developed a large number of unique techniques and styles that are Japan's most valuable contribution to the world of art. One of these techniques is sumi-e. Sumi-e literally means " ink drawing", combining calligraphy and ink painting to create a rare beauty of compositions drawn with brushes. This beauty is paradoxical - ancient yet modern, simple yet complex, bold yet subdued, undoubtedly reflecting the spiritual basis of art in Zen Buddhism. Buddhist priests introduced solid ink blocks and bamboo brushes to Japan from China in the sixth century, and over the past 14 centuries Japan has developed a rich heritage of ink painting.

Scroll down and see 10 Japanese Painting Masterpieces

1. Katsushika Hokusai “The Dream of the Fisherman’s Wife”

One of the most recognizable Japanese paintings is “The Dream of the Fisherman’s Wife.” It was written in 1814 famous artist Hokusai. If you follow strict definitions, this amazing work Hokusai cannot be considered a painting, as it is a woodcut of the ukiyo-e genre from the book Young Pines (Kinoe no Komatsu), which is a three-volume shunga book. The composition depicts a young ama diver entwined sexually with a pair of octopuses. This image was very influential in the 19th and 20th centuries. The work influenced more late artists such as Félicien Rops, Auguste Rodin, Louis Aucock, Fernand Knopf and Pablo Picasso.

2. Tessai Tomioka “Abe no Nakamaro writes a nostalgic poem while watching the moon”

Tessai Tomioka is the pseudonym of a famous Japanese artist and calligrapher. He is considered the last major artist in the bunjing tradition and one of the first major artists of the Nihonga style. Bunjinga was a school of Japanese painting that flourished in the late Edo era among artists who considered themselves literati or intellectuals. Each of these artists, including Tessaya, developed his own style and technique, but they were all big fans of chinese art and culture.

3. Fujishima Takeji “Sunrise over the Eastern Sea”

Fujishima Takeji was a Japanese artist known for his work in developing Romanticism and Impressionism in the yoga (Western style) art movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1905, he traveled to France, where he was influenced by the French movements of the time, particularly Impressionism, as can be seen in his painting Sunrise over the Eastern Sea, which was painted in 1932.

4. Kitagawa Utamaro “Ten types of female faces, a collection of ruling beauties”

Kitagawa Utamaro was a prominent Japanese artist who was born in 1753 and died in 1806. He is certainly best known for a series called “Ten Types of Women's Faces. Collection of ruling beauties, themes Great love classical poetry" (sometimes called "Women in Love", containing separate engravings "Naked Love" and "Thoughtful Love"). He is one of the most important artists belonging to the ukiyo-e woodcut genre.

5. Kawanabe Kyosai “Tiger”

Kawanabe Kyosai was one of the most famous Japanese artists of the Edo period. His art was influenced by the work of Tohaku, a 16th century Kano school painter who was the only artist of his time, who painted screens entirely in ink on a delicate background of powdered gold. Although Kyosai is known as a cartoonist, he wrote some of the most famous paintings in Japanese history art of the 19th century century. "Tiger" is one of those paintings that Kyosai used watercolor and ink to create.

6. Hiroshi Yoshida “Fuji from Lake Kawaguchi”

Hiroshi Yoshida is known as one of the major figures of the Shin-hanga style (Shin-hanga is an artistic movement in Japan in the early 20th century, during the Taisho and Showa periods, which revived the traditional art of ukiyo-e, which had its roots in the Edo and Meiji periods (XVII - XIX centuries)). He was trained in tradition Western painting oil, which was borrowed from Japan during the Meiji period.

7. Takashi Murakami “727”

Takashi Murakami is probably the most popular Japanese artist modernity. His works sell for astronomical prices. major auctions, and creativity is already inspiring new generations of artists not only in Japan, but also abroad. Murakami's art includes whole line environments and is usually described as a superplane. His work is known for his use of color, incorporating motifs from Japanese traditional and popular culture. The content of his paintings is often described as "cute", "psychedelic" or "satirical".

8. Yayoi Kusama “Pumpkin”

Yaoi Kusama is also one of the most famous Japanese artists. She creates in various techniques, including painting, collage, scat sculpture, performance, environmental art and installation, most of which demonstrate her thematic interest in psychedelic colour, repetition and pattern. One of the most famous series of this great artist is the Pumpkin series. Covered in a polka dot pattern, a regular pumpkin in bright yellow is presented against a net background. Collectively, all such elements form a visual language that is unmistakably true to the artist's style, and has been developed and refined over decades of painstaking production and reproduction.

9. Tenmyoya Hisashi “Japanese Spirit No. 14”

Tenmyoya Hisashi is a contemporary Japanese artist who is known for his neo-nihonga paintings. He took part in the revival old tradition Japanese painting, which is the complete opposite of modern Japanese painting. In 2000, he also created his new style butouha, which demonstrates a strong attitude towards authority artistic system through his paintings. "Japanese Spirit No. 14" was created as part of artistic scheme"BASARA", interpreted in Japanese culture as the rebellious behavior of the lower aristocracy during the Warring States period, to deny the power to achieve ideal image life, dressing in lush and luxurious clothes and acting according to free will, not corresponding to them social class.

10. Katsushika Hokusai “The Great Wave Off Kanagawa”

Finally, "The Great Wave off Kanagawa" is probably the most recognizable japanese painting ever written. This is actually the most famous work art created in Japan. It depicts huge waves threatening boats off the coast of Kanagawa Prefecture. Although sometimes mistaken for a tsunami, the wave, as the painting's title suggests, is most likely simply abnormally high. The painting is made in the ukiyo-e tradition.

If you think that all great artists are in the past, then you have no idea how wrong you are. In this article you will learn about the most famous and talented artists modernity. And, believe me, their works will remain in your memory no less deeply than the works of maestros from past eras.

Wojciech Babski

Wojciech Babski – modern Polish artist. He completed his studies at the Silesian Polytechnic Institute, but associated himself with. IN Lately draws mainly women. Focuses on the expression of emotions, strives to obtain the greatest possible effect using simple means.

Loves color, but often uses shades of black and gray to achieve best experience. Not afraid to experiment with different new techniques. Recently, he has been gaining increasing popularity abroad, mainly in the UK, where he successfully sells his works, which can already be found in many private collections. In addition to art, he is interested in cosmology and philosophy. Listens to jazz. Currently lives and works in Katowice.

Warren Chang

Warren Chang is a contemporary American artist. Born in 1957 and raised in Monterey, California, he graduated with honors from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena in 1981, where he received a BFA. Over the next two decades, he worked as an illustrator for various companies in California and New York before embarking on a career as a professional artist in 2009.

His realistic paintings can be divided into two main categories: biographical interior paintings and paintings depicting people at work. His interest in this style of painting dates back to the work of the 16th century artist Johannes Vermeer, and extends to subjects, self-portraits, portraits of family members, friends, students, studio interiors, classrooms and homes. Its goal is to realistic paintings create mood and emotion through the manipulation of light and the use of muted colors.

Chang became famous after switching to traditional fine arts. Over the past 12 years, he has earned numerous awards and honors, the most prestigious of which is the Master Signature from the Oil Painters of America, the largest oil painting community in the United States. Only one person out of 50 is given the opportunity to receive this award. Warren currently lives in Monterey and works in his studio, and he also teaches (known as a talented teacher) at the San Francisco Academy of Art.

Aurelio Bruni

Aurelio Bruni is an Italian artist. Born in Blair, October 15, 1955. He received a diploma in scenography from the Institute of Art in Spoleto. As an artist, he is self-taught, as he independently “built a house of knowledge” on the foundation laid in school. He began painting in oils at the age of 19. Currently lives and works in Umbria.

Bruni's early paintings are rooted in surrealism, but over time he begins to focus on the proximity of lyrical romanticism and symbolism, enhancing this combination with the exquisite sophistication and purity of his characters. Animated and inanimate objects acquire equal dignity and look almost hyper-realistic, but at the same time they do not hide behind a curtain, but allow you to see the essence of your soul. Versatility and sophistication, sensuality and loneliness, thoughtfulness and fruitfulness are the spirit of Aurelio Bruni, nourished by the splendor of art and the harmony of music.

Aleksander Balos

Alkasander Balos is a contemporary Polish artist specializing in oil painting. Born in 1970 in Gliwice, Poland, but since 1989 he has lived and worked in the USA, in Shasta, California.

As a child, he studied art under the guidance of his father Jan, a self-taught artist and sculptor, so he early age, artistic activity received full support from both parents. In 1989, at the age of eighteen, Balos left Poland for the United States, where he school teacher and part-time artist Katie Gaggliardi encouraged Alkasander to enroll in art school. Balos then received a full scholarship to the University of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he studied painting with philosophy professor Harry Rozin.

After graduating in 1995 with a bachelor's degree, Balos moved to Chicago to attend school visual arts whose methods are based on creativity Jacques-Louis David. Figurative realism and portrait painting were most Balos' works in the 90s and early 2000s. Today Balos uses human figure in order to highlight the features and show the shortcomings of human existence, without offering any solutions.

The subject compositions of his paintings are intended to be independently interpreted by the viewer, only then will the paintings acquire their true temporal and subjective meaning. In 2005, the artist moved to Northern California, since then the subject matter of his work has expanded significantly and now includes freer painting methods, including abstraction and various multimedia styles that help express ideas and ideals of existence through painting.

Alyssa Monks

Alyssa Monks – modern American artist. Born in 1977, in Ridgewood, New Jersey. I began to be interested in painting when I was still a child. Studied at the New School in New York and State University Montclair and graduated from Boston College in 1999 with a B.A. At the same time she studied painting at the academy Lorenzo Medici in Florence.

Then she continued her studies in the master's degree program at the New York Academy of Art, in the department of Figurative Art, graduating in 2001. She graduated from Fullerton College in 2006. For some time she lectured at universities and educational institutions throughout the country, she taught painting at the New York Academy of Art, as well as Montclair State University and Lyme Academy of Art College.

“Using filters such as glass, vinyl, water and steam, I distort human body. These filters allow you to create large areas of abstract design, with islands of color peeking through - parts of the human body.

My paintings change modern look to the already established, traditional poses and gestures of bathing women. They could tell an attentive viewer a lot about such seemingly self-evident things as the benefits of swimming, dancing, and so on. My characters press themselves against the glass of the shower window, distorting their own bodies, realizing that they thereby influence the notorious male gaze on a naked woman. Thick layers of paint are mixed to imitate glass, steam, water and flesh from afar. However, up close, the amazing physical properties of oil paint become apparent. By experimenting with layers of paint and color, I find a point where abstract brushstrokes become something else.

When I first started painting the human body, I was immediately fascinated and even obsessed with it and believed that I had to make my paintings as realistic as possible. I “professed” realism until it began to unravel and reveal contradictions in itself. I am now exploring the possibilities and potential of a style of painting where representational painting and abstraction meet – if both styles can coexist at the same moment in time, I will do so.”

Antonio Finelli

Italian artist – “ Time Observer” – Antonio Finelli was born on February 23, 1985. Currently lives and works in Italy between Rome and Campobasso. His works have been exhibited in several galleries in Italy and abroad: Rome, Florence, Novara, Genoa, Palermo, Istanbul, Ankara, New York, and can also be found in private and public collections.

Pencil drawings " Time Observer“Antonio Finelli takes us on an eternal journey through the inner world of human temporality and the associated scrupulous analysis of this world, the main element of which is the passage through time and the traces it leaves on the skin.

Finelli paints portraits of people of any age, gender and nationality, whose facial expressions indicate passage through time, and the artist also hopes to find evidence of the mercilessness of time on the bodies of his characters. Antonio defines his works by one thing, common name: “Self-portrait”, because in his pencil drawings he not only depicts a person, but allows the viewer to contemplate the real results of the passage of time inside a person.

Flaminia Carloni

Flaminia Carloni is a 37-year-old Italian artist, the daughter of a diplomat. She has three children. She lived in Rome for twelve years, and for three years in England and France. She received a degree in art history from the BD School of Art. Then she received a diploma as an art restorer. Before finding her calling and devoting herself entirely to painting, she worked as a journalist, colorist, designer, and actress.

Flaminia's passion for painting arose in childhood. Her main medium is oil because she loves to “coiffer la pate” and also play with the material. Similar technique she recognized the work of the artist Pascal Torua. Flaminia is inspired by great masters of painting such as Balthus, Hopper, and François Legrand, as well as various artistic movements: street art, Chinese realism, surrealism and Renaissance realism. Her favorite artist Caravaggio. Her dream is to discover the therapeutic power of art.

Denis Chernov

Denis Chernov is a talented Ukrainian artist, born in 1978 in Sambir, Lviv region, Ukraine. After graduating from the Kharkov Art School in 1998, he remained in Kharkov, where he currently lives and works. He also studied in Kharkov state academy design and arts, department of graphics, graduated in 2004.

He regularly participates in art exhibitions, this moment more than sixty of them took place, both in Ukraine and abroad. Most of Denis Chernov's works are kept in private collections in Ukraine, Russia, Italy, England, Spain, Greece, France, USA, Canada and Japan. Some of the works were sold at Christie's.

Denis works in a wide range of graphic and painting techniques. Pencil drawings are one of his most favorite painting methods; the list of themes in his pencil drawings is also very diverse; he paints landscapes, portraits, nudes, genre compositions, book illustrations, literary and historical reconstructions and fantasies.

Which covers many techniques and styles. Throughout its history, it has undergone a large number of changes. New traditions and genres were added, and the original Japanese principles remained. Along with the amazing history of Japan, the painting is also ready to present many unique and interesting facts.

Ancient Japan

The first styles appear in the most ancient historical period countries, even BC. e. Then art was quite primitive. First, in 300 BC. e., various geometric figures, which were performed on pottery using sticks. Such a discovery by archaeologists as ornamentation on bronze bells dates back to a later time.

A little later, already in 300 AD. e., rock paintings appear, which are much more diverse geometric ornament. These are already full-fledged images with images. They were found inside crypts, and, probably, the people who are painted on them were buried in these burial grounds.

In the 7th century AD e. Japan adopts writing that comes from China. Around the same time, the first paintings came from there. Then painting appears as a separate sphere of art.

Edo

Edo is far from the first and not the last painting, but it brought a lot of new things to culture. Firstly, it is the brightness and colorfulness that were added to the usual technique performed in black and gray tones. Sotasu is considered the most outstanding artist of this style. He created classic paintings, but his characters were very colorful. Later he switched to nature, and most of his landscapes were painted against gilded backgrounds.

Secondly, during the Edo period, exoticism, the namban genre, appeared. It used modern European and Chinese techniques that were intertwined with traditional Japanese styles.

And thirdly, the Nanga school appears. In it, artists first completely imitate or even copy works Chinese masters. Then a new branch appears, which is called bunjing.

Modernization period

The Edo period gives way to Meiji, and now Japanese painting is forced to new stage development. At this time, genres such as the Western and the like were becoming popular around the world, so the modernization of art became a common state of affairs. However, in Japan, a country where all people revere traditions, given time the situation was significantly different from what was happening in other countries. Competition between European and local technicians is fierce here.

The government at this stage gives preference to young artists who submit big hopes to improve skills in Western styles. So they send them to schools in Europe and America.

But this was only at the beginning of the period. The fact is that famous critics Western art was criticized quite strongly. To avoid a lot of fuss about this issue, European styles and the techniques began to be banned at exhibitions, their display ceased, as did their popularity.

The emergence of European styles

Next comes the Taisho period. At this time, young artists who were leaving to study in foreign schools, come back to their homeland. Naturally, they bring with them new styles of Japanese painting, which are very similar to European ones. Impressionism and post-impressionism appear.

At this stage, many schools are being formed in which ancient Japanese styles. But it is impossible to completely get rid of Western tendencies. Therefore, we have to combine several techniques in order to please both lovers of the classics and fans of modern European painting.

Some schools are funded by the state, thanks to which it is possible to preserve many of the national traditions. Private owners are forced to follow the lead of consumers who wanted something new; they are tired of the classics.

Painting from the Second World War

After the onset of wartime, Japanese painting remained aloof from events for some time. It developed separately and independently. But this couldn't go on forever.

Over time, when the political situation in the country becomes worse, high and respected figures attract many artists. Some of them began to create in patriotic styles even at the beginning of the war. The rest begin this process only on orders from the authorities.

Accordingly, Japanese fine art was unable to develop particularly during the Second World War. Therefore, for painting it can be called stagnant.

Eternal Suibokuga

Japanese sumi-e painting, or suibokuga, literally means “ink painting.” This determines the style and technique of this art. It came from China, but the Japanese decided to call it their own. And initially the technique did not have any aesthetic side. It was used by monks for self-improvement while studying Zen. Moreover, they first drew pictures and subsequently trained their concentration while viewing them. The monks believed that strict lines, blurry tones and shadows - all that is called monochrome - help to improve.

Japanese ink painting, despite the wide variety of paintings and techniques, is not as complex as it might seem at first glance. It is based on only 4 plots:

1. Chrysanthemum.
2. Orchid.
3. Plum branch.
4. Bamboo.

A small number of plots does not make mastering the technique quick. Some masters believe that learning lasts a lifetime.

Despite the fact that sumi-e appeared a long time ago, it is always in demand. Moreover, today you can meet masters of this school not only in Japan, it is widespread far beyond its borders.

Modern period

After the end of the Second World War, art in Japan flourished only in large cities; villagers and villagers had enough to worry about. For the most part, artists tried to turn away from the losses of wartime and depict modern life on canvas. city ​​life with all its embellishments and features. European and American ideas were successfully adopted, but this state of affairs did not last long. Many masters began to gradually move away from them towards Japanese schools.

Traditional style has always remained fashionable. Therefore, modern Japanese painting can differ only in the technique of execution or the materials used in the process. But most artists do not perceive various innovations well.

It is impossible not to mention the fashionable modern subcultures, such as anime and similar styles. Many artists try to blur the line between the classics and what is in demand today. For the most part, this state of affairs is due to commerce. Classics and traditional genres are practically not bought, therefore, it is unprofitable to work as an artist in your favorite genre, you need to adapt to fashion.

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, Japanese painting is a treasure trove of fine art. Perhaps, the country in question was the only one that did not follow Western trends and did not adapt to fashion. Despite many blows during the advent of new techniques, Japanese artists were still able to defend national traditions in many genres. This is probably why paintings made in classical styles are highly valued at exhibitions today.

Every country has its heroes contemporary art, whose names are well-known, whose exhibitions attract crowds of fans and curious people, and whose works are sold to private collections.

In this article we will introduce you to the most popular contemporary artists Japan.

Keiko Tanabe

Born in Kyoto, Keiko won many victories as a child. art competitions, but she received her higher education not in the field of art. She worked in the international relations department of a Japanese municipal trade organization in Tokyo, a large law firm in San Francisco and a private consulting firm in San Diego, and traveled extensively. Starting in 2003, she left her job and, having studied the basics of watercolor painting in San Diego, devoted herself exclusively to art.

Ikenaga Yasunari

Japanese artist Ikenaga Yasunari paints portraits modern women in ancient Japanese tradition painting using a Menso brush, mineral pigments, carbon black, ink and linen as a base. Its characters are women of our time, but thanks to Nihonga's style, you get the feeling that they came to us from time immemorial.

Abe Toshiyuki

Abe Toshiyuki is a realist artist who has mastered watercolor technique. Abe can be called an artist-philosopher: he fundamentally does not paint famous landmarks, preferring subjective compositions that reflect internal states the person who is watching them.

Hiroko Sakai

The career of artist Hiroko Sakai began in the early 90s in the city of Fukuoka. After graduating from Seinan Gakuin University and the French Nihon School of Interior Design in design and visualization, she founded Atelier Yume-Tsumugi Ltd. and successfully managed this studio for 5 years. Many of her works decorate hospital lobbies, offices of large corporations and some municipal buildings in Japan. After moving to the United States, Hiroko began painting in oils.

Riusuke Fukahori

Riusuki Fukahori's three-dimensional works resemble holograms. They are done acrylic paint, applied in several layers, and a transparent resin liquid - all this, without excluding traditional methods such as drawing shadows, softening edges, controlling transparency, allows Riusuki to create sculpture painting and gives the work depth and realism.

Natsuki Otani

Natsuki Otani is a talented Japanese illustrator living and working in England.

Makoto Muramatsu

Makoto Muramatsu chose a win-win theme as the basis for his creativity - he draws cats. His pictures are popular all over the world, especially in the form of puzzles.

Tetsuya Mishima

Most of the paintings by contemporary Japanese artist Mishima are done in oils. She has been painting professionally since the 90s and has several personal exhibitions and a large number of collective exhibitions, both Japanese and foreign.