Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) is a Japanese ukiyo-e art legend, most famous as the creator of the woodblock print series “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji” and the single print “The Great Wave off Kangawa.” A new movie showing in a one-time-only screening at Real Art Ways in Hartford tells the story of this legendary creative talent, through the eyes of his daughter.
“Miss Hokusai” is based on the manga series Sarusaberi by Hinako Sugiura. The story is set in 1814, after Hokusai has gotten a divorce and is being taken care of by his daughter, O-Ei. The movie suggests that O-Ei was not only her father’s caretaker but also his artistic collaborator on many prints, even his famed erotic series.
“Miss Hokusai” will be shown Dec. 1 at 7:25 p.m. After the film, Ann H. Sievers will speak about Hokusai, his daughter and Japanese woodblock printing. Sievers is director and curator of the art gallery at University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, whose current exhibit is Japanese prints.
The arts venue at 56 Arbor St. in Hartford also is showing two other films in limited runs. “Gimme Danger,” a documentary about the punk band The Stooges directed by Jim Jarmusch, will be shown Nov. 28 and 30 at 7:25 p.m. “Tower” is an animated documentary that tells the story of the Aug. 1, 1966 shooting at the University of Texas. It will be shown Nov. 29 at 7:25 p.m.
Admission is $11, $7 seniors and students, $5 members, $4.50 senior and student members. realartways.org.
