Ateneo Art Gallery, The Japan Foundation, Manila and The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines are pleased to present the international traveling exhibition Manga Hokusai Manga: Approaching the Master’s Compendium from the Perspective of Contemporary Comics. Open from 17 June to 28 July, the exhibition introduces the similarities and differences between modern Japanese manga, which now enjoys global popularity, and Katsushika Hokusai’s manga.
Katsushiko Hokusai (1760-1849), best known for the woodblock print titled The Great Wave, called his collection of printed drawings “manga.” Hokusai Manga contains an assortment of drawings varying in subject matter—from the humorous to the prosaic and instructional. This pictorial compendium is often associated with the origins of contemporary manga for its storytelling and visualization of movement. It Over 200 years after its first volume was published, it continues to captivate people worldwide.
Manga Hokusai Manga approaches Hokusai Manga from the perspective of contemporary Japanese comics. The exhibition begins with six images of Hokusai from 1970’s manga, when Hokusai’s personality and eventful life became a source of inspiration for manga artists and ends with seven original works made by contemporary manga artists specifically for this exhibition. Responding to the formal aspects ofHokusai Manga and the fascination with its creator, these contemporary works provide an insight into the constantly evolving expressions of manga and the directions it will take in the future.
Prior to its exhibition in the Philippines at Ateneo Art Gallery, it has been shown in countries like Italy, Belgium, Ireland and Vietnam. The exhibition in the Philippines will feature a reading corner, with publications from the library of Japan Foundation Manila.
