Susumu Higuchi

Susumu Higuchi

Susumu Higuchi was a prolific Japanese artist, known for his delicate and intricate works of art that often depicted his personal surroundings and culture. Higuchi's mastery of woodblock printing and painting earned him recognition as one of the most important leading artists of twentieth-century Japan. His works were widely exhibited in Japan and abroad, including in the National Museum of Modern Art Tokyo, the British Museum, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Higuchi's art was characterized by its attention to detail and its ability to capture the essence of his subjects. His woodblock prints of apples, for example, were not just depictions of the fruit, but also conveyed a sense of the beauty and simplicity of nature. Similarly, his woodcut portrait of Akira Kurosawa captured the essence of the renowned film director, conveying both his strength and his vulnerability. Higuchi's illustrations for the children's book Nihon no Ki were similarly imbued with a sense of wonder and whimsy, capturing the imagination of young readers. In addition to his artistic achievements, Higuchi was also a revered teacher, known for his ability to inspire and guide his pupils. He taught art in Tokyo and later at the Kyoto City University of Arts, where he mentored a generation of young artists. Among his pupils was Momoko Kudo, who studied under him for 10 years and went on to become a successful artist in her own right. Overall, Susumu Higuchi was a masterful artist and teacher, whose works continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world. His attention to detail, his ability to capture the essence of his subjects, and his dedication to teaching have earned him a lasting place in the annals of Japanese art.

Susumu Higuchi, Japanese artist, woodblock printing, painting, attention to detail, teacher, National Museum of Modern Art Tokyo, British Museum, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Momoko Kudo

— William Robinson