A journey through Japanese art and the influence of Western visual culture
At Palazzo delle Paure, a new exhibition celebrates the genius of Katsushika Hokusai, one of the most influential artists in the history of art. From March 21 to September 27, 2026, the show titled Hokusai. The Secret of the Wave Crossing Europe offers an in-depth journey through his works, highlighting lesser-known aspects of his visual language and his connection with Western culture.
Curated by Paolo Linetti and organized in collaboration with local cultural institutions, the exhibition brings together 43 works that trace the stylistic evolution of the artist. The display emphasizes how Hokusai carefully observed nature and transformed it into images of universal value. His compositions are not simple landscapes, but complex visual constructions in which every element contributes to a refined formal balance.
Katsushika Hokusai, The Great Wave off Kanagawa from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji, ca. 1830–1832, polychrome woodblock print on paper.
Wikimedia Commons.
An artist between East and West
One of the most compelling aspects of the exhibition is the relationship between Hokusai’s art and Western geometric principles. His works reveal a surprising affinity with compositional systems based on proportion and mathematical harmony. This element helps explain why the artist had such a strong impact in Europe, captivating audiences far removed from Japanese culture.
At the center of the exhibition is The Great Wave off Kanagawa, one of the most iconic images in the history of art. The show analyzes its underlying geometric structure, showing how lines, curves, and angles are organized according to precise schemes that create visual balance and elegance. In particular, two geometric models identified in 2021 by Linetti are presented, offering a new interpretation of the artist’s creative process.
The works on display: between power and harmony
Among the works on display, Whale Hunting off the Gotō Islands stands out. Taken from Hokusai shashin gafu, the image depicts a dramatic fishing scene: a rope cuts across the composition, highlighting the tension between the strength of the whale and that of the fishermen. The dynamism anticipates compositional solutions later developed in the famous Wave.
In contrast, Fuji from the Sea, from the series One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji, presents a calmer vision. Here, water becomes fluid and harmonious, no longer dramatic. Nature’s energy is not destructive, but generative—offering a complementary perspective to the overwhelming force of the Great Wave. This duality is one of the most fascinating aspects of the artist’s work.
Katsushika Hokusai, Whale Hunting off the Gotō Islands, ca. 1832–1834, woodblock print on paper.
From Hokusai shashin gafu (Sketches from Life Album). Wikimedia Commons.
Japonisme and the influence on Western art
A dedicated section of the exhibition explores Japonisme, the movement that deeply influenced Western art from the mid-19th century onward. Hokusai’s works inspired major artists such as Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, contributing to a transformation in composition, color, and spatial perception.
A video installation curated by Simona Bartolena further guides visitors through the many interpretations of Japonisme, offering an accessible and engaging insight.
A contemporary dialogue
The exhibition also opens a dialogue with contemporary art, featuring the work of Armando Fettolini. His piece Homage to Hokusai demonstrates how the legacy of the Japanese artist continues to inspire artistic research today.
With this exhibition, Palazzo delle Paure offers a valuable opportunity to rediscover a great artist and understand how his works built a bridge between East and West, leaving a lasting mark on the history of art.
Katsushika Hokusai, Mount Fuji Seen from the Sea from the series One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji, 1834–1835, polychrome woodblock print on paper.
From Wikimedia Commons.
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