Non-Western Art vs. Western Art, Essay Example

The Japanese art work UKyio-e: “Takiyasha the Witch and the Skeleton Spectre and Mitsukuni Defying the Skeleton Spectre” is reminiscent of Picasso’s art works. In fact, Picasso based many of his works after these Japanese pieces because he was interested in both the style and themes of art used (Berger). In particular, he has mimicked many of these themes due to a fascination of the sexuality that many of these painting pieces employed. Many similarities can be seen between the types of figures used in these images. While Picasso is well known for the use of distorted images, he also uses many similar styles in his early pieces. An example of this can be seen in one of Picasso works of art, known as a “tentacle” etching (Cirlot). There are many similar Ukyio-e pieces that utilize a similar theme, and it is clear that Picasso enjoyed this idea and chose to embody it in his own works.

Another major similarity between the two pieces is that both have a “cartoonish” feel and that both attempt to tell a story. While Picasso chooses to focus on the abstract messages of these stories, Ukyio-e artists try to convey their stories to the best of their ability within either one or a series of panels (Pena). Overall, the two types of artists attempt to use their paintings to connect with their audiences over similar themes. While these pieces were made in part to serve entertainment purposes for the audience, they are also meant to represent the interests of the individuals who create them, which could range from mythology to the need for suitable entertainment. However, both pieces could be consider timeless for their respective cultures.

Works Cited

Berger, John. The success and failure of Picasso. Pantheon Books, 1989.

Cirlot, Juan Eduardo. Picasso, birth of a genius. New York and Washington: Praeger., 1972.

Pena J.  The Historical Impression of Ukiyo-E: How It Transformed the Floating World, Impacted the Western Civilization, and Influenced Modern Society. 7 December 2011. Web. 2 June 2015.