By revolutionizing painting instruction and practice, Kuroda Seiki introduced the Western style to imperial Japan. The Google Doodle honors this Japanese artist on the occasion of his 156th birth anniversary. Seiki is recognized for bringing Western-style art philosophy to his own country as a significant painter. He is known for the “Academic Impressionist” style that would become his symbolic gesture in art in Paris. In Japan, he became known as “the father of Western-style paintings,” being a key figure in the ‘yga movement.’
Kuroda was a painter who aimed to achieve artistic freedom of expression and vision. Because of this mentality, he was in blatant conflict with the system of conservative culture. The artist fluctuated between the system and the individual, occasionally displaying significant changes in attitude and position.
In 1893, Kuroda was seen working on his final study in France, a life-size painting of a naked figure. Unfortunately, World War II ruined his creation which was named as Morning Toilet. This task for him “felt like a type of graduation test.” The competitive exhibition put on by the “Societe Nationale des Beaux-Arts” praised his finished work.
In addition to the journalism’s obvious variations in painting technique, Kuroda was not thrilled with the bureaucratic procedures. He was liberal in his painting. He placed emphasis on the person. He highlighted the opposition in his roles as an educator and advisor. In his own conceit, Kuroda confronted the opposition as well.
Kuroda was ready to draw paintings that explore abstract themes and completely utilize the brush’s inventiveness. The picture from history, myth, religion or an abstract idea from philosophy or the imagination served as the theme of his artwork. Kuroda draws the picture of oil paintings on canvas.
‘Talk on Ancient Romance‘- one of his experiments were published. Kuroda worked in arts administration and held a number of significant positions, including head of the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts in the year 1922 and a member of the House of Peers as well.