Hokusai and the Art of Reinventing Ourselves

Some artists leave behind beautiful works. Others change the way we see the world. Katsushika Hokusai did both.

Now on view at Palazzo Bonaparte in Rome, the largest exhibition ever dedicated to Hokusai in Italy celebrates the extraordinary legacy of Japan's most iconic artist. A visionary painter and prolific printmaker, Hokusai transformed everyday scenes into timeless masterpieces. His famous Ukiyo-e prints capture the power of nature, the rhythm of water, sweeping landscapes, and the beauty of daily life in Japan.

His influence extends far beyond Japanese art. From Impressionist painters to contemporary designers, Hokusai's visual language continues to inspire artists around the world, proving that great art can transcend both time and geography.

But here's something you may not know: throughout his life, Hokusai changed his artistic name many times, over 30! Each new name marked a different chapter of his creative journey, reflecting his constant desire to evolve, learn, and reinvent himself, to change his identity.

I think that idea still feels very modern. Who hasn't wished, at least once, to change their identity, step into different clothes, and make room for another version of themselves? Maybe art has even more to teach us, not only through the works we admire, but through the stories behind the artists who created them.

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