U.S. DEBUT OF 63-PIECE COLLECTION OF ART & ARTIFACTS FEATURED IN HOKUSAI EXHIBITION

U.S. DEBUT OF 63-PIECE COLLECTION OF ART & ARTIFACTS FEATURED IN HOKUSAI EXHIBITION

More than The Wave, the “Hokusai and Ukiyo-e: The Floating World” exhibition includes original artworks by Hokusai and additional renowned Japanese artists, Edo artifacts and more

Anytime Tickets on sale now; Timed Tickets go on sale Jan. 2

GLEN ELLYN, Ill. — The Cleve Carney Museum of Art (CCMA) and McAninch Arts Center, (MAC) located at 425 Fawell Blvd on the College of DuPage (COD) campus, present “Hokusai and Ukiyo-e: The Floating World, Artworks from the Chiossone Collection” May 31 – Sept. 21, 2025. The exhibition will feature a collection of 53 works of art and 13 artifacts that has never been seen in the U.S. More than a museum show, this arts center experience will immerse guests in Japanese Edo culture through several interactive exhibits, from a serene outdoor Japanese garden to an anime exhibit. Anytime Tickets are now on sale at Hokusai2025.org. Timed Tickets go on sale Jan. 2. The exhibition is organized by the Cleve Carney Museum of Art in collaboration with the Edoardo Chiossone Museum of Oriental Art of Genoa, Italy and with the support of MondoMostre.

The exhibition showcases 53 artworks by the masters of Ukiyo-e art of Japan’s flourishing Edo Period (1603-1868). Works by acclaimed artists such as Hokusai and Hiroshige offer a window into life during a time when the city of Edo (present-day Tokyo) thrived as the center of Japan’s economy and culture. “Ukiyo-e," often translated as "Images of the floating world,” refers to ephemeral Japanese paintings and woodblock prints that depicted life in Edo, when pleasurable attributes of life were encouraged, distant from the control of the military shogunate power. "Ukiyo-e" artwork showcased the city’s fashions and lively streets, and its famous places and entertainment districts, including the theater, cultural and arts quarters.

The collection includes original painted works, intricate color woodblock prints and instruments and other beautifully lacquered objects and more, making each work truly one-of-a-kind. In addition to the collection, the exhibition will immerse guests in Edo culture through several interactive areas, including: a multi-media historical display, peaceful Japanese garden, anime exhibit, children’s area and interactive Edo experience that features period garments such as Shogun and Kabuki fashion replicas, and more. Special events will take place throughout the length of the exhibition, and a benefit gala will take place Feb. 23 at the MAC.

Widely considered as one of the most recognizable images in the world, the exhibition will feature Hokusai's iconic masterpiece, The Great Wave off Kanagawa. In addition, visitors will have the rare opportunity to view nine original works by the legendary artist. There will also be 17 works by Hiroshige, particularly known for the "Fifty-Three Stations of the Tōkaidō" series. Works by 15 of their contemporaries will also be featured, along with several artifacts from daily life in Japan from this period, including popular games, instruments and beauty tools of the time.

Hokusai is widely recognized as one of Japan's greatest artists, as he was instrumental in developing the genre of ukiyo-e and modernized traditional print styles. He transformed ukiyo-e art into a modern form of graphic art, covering several subjects from portraits of entertainers and kabuki actors, to unique views of the natural world. His eclectic artistry brought the highest development of the ukiyo-e genre, spreading a newfound awareness of current subjects and tastes through the mass production of books, manga and manuals.

Hokusai’s work not only shaped the artistic landscape of the Edo Period and paved the way for Japanese art, he also had a significant influence on impressionists Edgar Degas and Claude Monet, and later Vincent van Gogh, during the Japonisme art movement that spread across Europe in the late 19th century.

The exhibition is organized by the Cleve Carney Museum of Art, with works from The Edoardo Chiossone Museum of Oriental Art of Genoa, Italy that was originally collected by Edoardo Chiossone (1833-1898) and whose collection is known worldwide for the quality of art and its remarkable state of conservation. The featured ukiyo-e collection on loan will be curated by professor and art historian Rossella Menegazzo of The University of Milan as part of the larger exhibition at the MAC and CCMA, curated by Justin Witte.

Support for “Hokusai and Ukiyo-e: The Floating World, Artworks from the Chiossone Collection” is provided in part by Wight & Company, Ball Horticultural, The Illinois Arts Council, Japanese Chamber of Commerce, the National Endowment for the Arts, DuPage Foundation and the College of DuPage Foundation.

Tickets

Tickets and add-on VIP packages are now on sale. Anytime Tickets (specific date/flexible time) for “Hokusai and Ukiyo-e: The Floating World” are $40. Timed Tickets (specific date/specific time) go on sale Thursday, Jan. 2. and will be $27 (Tuesday-Friday) and $32 (Saturday, Sunday). VIP packages include “Shogun,” which includes an exhibition poster, tote and VIP Lanyard for an added $25; and “Emperor,” which, for an additional $70, includes the Shogun package plus an audio tour and exhibit catalogue.

For tickets and more information about the exhibition, visit Hokusai2025.org.

Special Events

The College of DuPage Foundation will host the gala benefit “Waves of Japan: Night of Drums and Dreams” at the MAC, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025. The evening will feature a performance by the Yamato Drummers and proceeds support the Major Exhibition Fund of the College of DuPage Foundation. For additional information visit foundation@codfound.org.

“Sushi, Sake & Hokusai” happy hours will take place at 6:30 p.m. June 12 and July 17. Event includes admission to the exhibition, an expert behind-the-scenes talk, two drink coupons, complimentary appetizers and a VIP lanyard. Additional details and special events will be announced at a later date.


Latest Stories

Latest Podcast

A.L. Smith - Harold Washington Legacy Committee