Hokusai & the Great Wave, British Museum Film at the Odeon

Monday, Sept. 25 (4:45 & 9 pm), Tuesday & Wednesday, Sept. 26-27 (4:45 & 6:45 pm): HOKUSAI.  Cinema Odeon, piazza Strozzi.

Millions have seen the famous painting, The Great Wave of Kanagawa, part of the Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji series, but not many know something about the artist himself. Katshushika Hokusai (1716 – 1849) born in what is now Tokyo, Japan, began painting at the young age of six, studying polychrome woodblock printing and art. Hokusai dedicated most of his life to understanding the human condition and celebrating humanity along with the spiritual worlds and nature. Today, he remains an artist who inspires other painters, musicians and poets.

That is why for the first time, the British museum will present the first documentary showcasing their latest exhibition as a celebration of his work in Florence in original English with Italian subtitles.

Through the use of revolutionary technologies, audiences all over the world will experience the brilliance of Hokusai’s work. The film’s first half will include a portion dedicated to his life, and the second will demonstrate works including the Great Wave and the series dedicated to Mount Fuji. The exhibition is presented by historian Andrew Graham-Dixon, curator Tim Clark and scholar Roger Keyes, who has investigated Hokusai’s work for over 50 years. (rachel hinojosa)