Episode 08: Vincent Van Gogh X Utagawa Hiroshige - 1887 / 1857
Stephanie Dueñas and Russell Shoemaker discuss the Collab of the 80s - the 1880s that is, Van Gogh’s master studies of Japanese printmaker master Utagawa Hiroshige. We try to unpack the difference between influence, appropriation, and just good ol’ fashion theft. We discuss the subtle ways Van Gogh was forever changed into the artist he is known for by the wholly new-to-the-west Japanese Ukiyo-e prints. But do VG’s studies belong in the Art Slice Museum???
Hopefully by the end you’ll agree that Pablo Picasso was a dipshit, and great artists do not, in fact, steal. They instead give credit where credit is due, stay open to the world around them, and process their influences into something unique to them.
Our Art Pantry of the week is Negative Space.
In this episode, we discuss Hiroshige’s lasting influence on Van Gogh. Topics include: Japonisme, World’s Fairs, Ukiyo-e prints, Kano School of Painting, Japanese Woodblocks, and English Basel’s polymer clay Sailor Moon figurines.
The song featured in this episode was Celestial Dance by Siddhartha Corsus.
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Utagawa Hiroshige’s Sudden Shower Over Shin-Ōhashi Bridge and Atake, as part of the series One Hundred Famous Views of Edo. Woodblock print, 1857.
Vincent Van Gogh’s master study, Bridge in the Rain (after Hiroshige). Oil on canvas, 1887.
Utagawa Hiroshige, Plum Park in Kameido. Woodblock print, 1857.
Vincent Van Gogh’s master study, Flowering Plum Orchard (after Hiroshige). Oil on canvas, 1887.
Kano Eino, Birds and Flowers of Spring and Summer. Byobu folding screen, c. late 17th century.
Traditional Japanese tea house as part of the Japanese exhibition in the World’s Fair in Paris, France 1867.
Itchigaya Hachiman Shrine, from Utagawa Hiroshige’s series One Hundred Views of Edo. Woodblock Print, 1858.
From Utagawa Hiroshige’s series One Hundred Views of Edo. Woodblock Print.
From Utagawa Hiroshige’s series One Hundred Views of Edo. Woodblock Print.
From Utagawa Hiroshige’s series One Hundred Views of Edo. Woodblock Print.
The Great Wave Off Kanagawa by Hokusai. Woodblock print, 1820-1831.
Vincent Van Gogh’s, The Starry Night. Oil on Canvas, 1889.
Vincent Van Gogh’s, Bedroom in Arles. Oil on Canvas, 1888.
Vincent Van Gogh’s, Portrait of Pere Tanguy. Oil on canvas, 1887.
Vincent Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait (Dedicated to Paul Gauguin). Oil on canvas,1888.
