Ama and Octopus
after Hokusai

Ama and Octopus after Hokusai -size reference-

How horrifying this image was to Victorian society of Europe. Two octopuses eating a cold body of drowned girl. Hilarious.

What is more hilarious is that, in original print, large octopus is saying “At least I have shellfish I always wanted (to eat/suck).” At the same time smaller one is waiting to switch place with daddy 🙂

Anyone with the right set of mind could perceive that large octopus is performing cunnilingus. It is just another legend translated into sexual fantasy. Tokyo in Edo period was full of men and idea that there is a village with Ama divers, a woman who dives naked into the sea, is good background for sexual fantasy. Here we see Ama diver receiving gifts from Sea god.

When we encounter reproductions/interpretations of this view in modern art, they are usually done to question sexual freedom of society of the artist surrounding.

Technique: acrylic on canvas

Size: 120 x 177 cm (47.24 x 69.68 inch)

Year: October 2011

Availability: In Private Collection


100 Views of Ukiyo-e

During my exploration of the beginning of modern art (Impressionism and Post-Impressionism) I found myself surrounded by beautiful views of Ukiyo-e prints. They were my explanation to everything: modern/contemporary painting, design, illustration, comics and animation. Even more, I had to tell that to everyone. Firstly, I did impressions/interpretations of famous works of Hiroshige and Hokusai, but I couldn´t stop there… I finally found my call.100 Views of Ukiyo-e is my life mission to re-create new originals of selected 100 Ukiyo-e prints, new original painting in new oban size. It is divided in 4 Volumes of 25 canvases, some of the forming diptychs or triptychs. So far I have finished the first set that introduces several masters, styles and topics.

A review by Amalija Stojsavljević, art historian can be read here.


Volume I – Masters

The First Volume of series of paintings of the 100 Views of Ukiyo-e. This initial set was a practical part of my magistrate thesis in Arts at Academy of Fine Arts, Sarajevo. I tried to introduce great masters of Ukiyo-e, specific styles and topics from its begging to the end.

100 Views of Ukiyo-e, Volume I: Masters Exhibition Catalogue for Web