Minneapolis Review

The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) is set to present a new exhibition titled "Hokusai | Monet," which explores the artistic connection between Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai and French Impressionist Claude Monet. The exhibition will be held in the Cargill Gallery from February 8 through August 10, 2025. Visitors will have the opportunity to view Monet's "Massif de chrysanthèmes" (1897), on loan from a private collection, alongside Hokusai's untitled "Large Flowers" series.

Curated by Galina Olmsted and Mai Yamaguchi, the exhibition highlights the influence of Japanese art on Monet’s floral paintings. By focusing on one masterpiece from each artist, it offers an intimate perspective on cross-cultural exchange in modern art.

Katie Luber, Mia’s Nivin and Duncan MacMillan Director & President, stated that this exhibition provides "a rare opportunity to exhibit Monet’s painting alongside the prints that were generative to his thinking about decorative floral paintings." She also noted that its timing overlaps with Mia's Art in Bloom event, offering visitors a unique experience.

Monet created four chrysanthemum paintings at Giverny in 1897. His approach broke tradition by depicting flowers as they grew outdoors rather than arranged in vases. These works are notable for their expressive use of space and bold compositions reminiscent of Hokusai’s style. As Galina Olmsted pointed out, “Monet was an avid collector of Japanese prints,” with his artistic experimentation influenced by Hokusai.

Little is known about Hokusai’s "Large Flowers" series, but its striking close-ups captivated European artists like Monet. Despite being in his seventies during the 1830s, Hokusai continued experimenting with new compositions while drawing inspiration from Chinese models of bird and flower paintings.

Mai Yamaguchi explained that “Hokusai’s approach to depicting flowers was unprecedented," creating what seemed like portraits of blooms. This novel perspective inspired artists like Monet to see nature differently.

Coinciding with Mia's annual Art in Bloom event, this exhibition aims to connect with the local community through floral-inspired programming.

For more details about "Hokusai | Monet" and other exhibitions at Mia, visit ArtsMia.org or call +1 612 870 3000.

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