The Artist Who Redefined Ukiyo-e and Captured Steve Jobs’ Imagination

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In the pantheon of great artists, there stands a figure instrumental in revitalizing Ukiyo-e: Hasui Kawase, a luminary in the realms of Taisho and Showa era art in Japan.

Hasui’s artistic style is known as “Shin-hanga” a term embodying a fresh take on a historic medium. Ukiyo-e prints, having reached their zenith in the Edo era, gradually evolved into a traditional art form.

Supported by his mentor Shozaburo Watanabe, Hasui broke free from conventional styles, emphasizing the inherent ‘artistic quality’ of printmaking.

His creative approach was both accessible and universal. Traversing the Japanese archipelago on foot, he captured the landscapes he witnessed firsthand. He earned the nickname ‘Poet of Travel’ for this unique style.

His vivid use of colors, like the striking red torii gates and sacred trees set against snowy landscapes, is another hallmark of his work.

Interestingly, the tech visionary Steve Jobs was an admirer of Hasui’s work. Jobs even use his print as wallpaper during the launch presentation of the Macintosh.

This intriguing connection has been highlighted in an article by NHK, Japan’s national public broadcaster.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/1681/

Currently, a traveling exhibition titled “Hasui Kawase: Journeys and Nostalgic Landscapes” is making its rounds across Japan.
It’s on display at the Takamatsu City Museum of Art in Kagawa, from January 24 to March 6, 2024.

https://www.city.takamatsu.kagawa.jp/museum/takamatsu/

I had the pleasure of attending the exhibition last fall in Kyoto and was captivated by the vivid colors that digital reproductions simply cannot capture.

The ‘Hasui Blue,’ known for its stunning gradient, is particularly breathtaking.

If you find yourself in Japan, this exhibition is a must-see, offering a unique glimpse into the world through Hasui Kawase’s eyes.

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