Landscapes in The Graphic Novels of Chris Ware, Gabrielle Bell and Adrian Tomine: Attributes Shared with Woodblock Prints of Kawase Hasui

Abstract

A common attribute of the graphic novels of Chris Ware, Gabrielle Bell and Adrian Tomine is panels, portraying landscapes that invoke melancholy. The illustration styles are cartoonish yet realistic which lends itself to comedy and tragedy. Some emotional scenes are relayed through illustrations of landscapes that show natural elements such as the sky and trees. They also include elements of modern life such as cars and buildings. By illustrating the timelessness of nature and modern living, these works remind of the woodblock prints of Kawase Hasui. The Shin-hanga prints of Hasui are made with the influence of Impressionism which is influenced by Ukiyo-e. As with the Impressionists, the artists of Shin-hanga presented topics such as landscapes by reflecting fleeting light and the individual experiences they invoke. Hasui represents nature in its quiet glory, mixing it with the everyday which is also in the spirit of the mentioned graphic novelists’ works. This study uncovers the approaches that create the emotional landscape illustrations in graphic novels by determining their common attributes with Shin-hanga. Through the chosen artwork, this discussion aims to contribute to the existing discourse on graphic novels and provide a basis for further understanding of this art form. Keywords: Graphic Novels, Illustration, Landscape Painting, Impressionism, Shin-hanga