Christian Lassen is widely known as a painter who depicts nature and creatures such as the sea and dolphins. In Japan, his paintings became popular during the bubble era, and even today, his friendly style is popular among a wide range of people.
In this issue, we will explain Lassen's works and personalities.
Who is Christian Lassen?
Lassen became famous for his marine art in the 1980s.
Lassen is known as a marine art painter who mainly depicts the sea and marine life.
He became popular in the mid-1980s for his paintings depicting dolphins and other marine life in a fantastical and beautiful style.
Lassen was born and raised in Hawaii, and it is said that the wilderness and beautiful scenery of Hawaii greatly influenced his style. His early exposure to the ocean and nature fostered a rich sensitivity to color.
He is also a professional surfer. Lassen's marine artwork is characterized by his ability to use this sensitivity to the fullest, depicting the greatness of nature and the freedom of living creatures that he feels firsthand.
The overall glittering, fantastical atmosphere of his work is also one of its major attractions.
Explosive Popularity in Japan
Japan was at the end of its economic bubble at the time, and art works were accessible to the general public, making them very popular among the middle class, who had never been interested in art before.
Prices of Lassen's works skyrocketed, and large-scale sales events were held in department stores throughout Japan.
Collaboration with Disney
Riding high on the momentum, Lassen collaborated with Disney, one of the world's leading entertainment companies.
A number of posters and jigsaw puzzles were produced, creating a huge buzz.
The collaboration with Disney, which has a worldwide fan base, further ignited his popularity.
Environmental Activist
In addition to his activities as a painter, Lassen is also active as an environmentalist, and is highly concerned about the destruction of nature and environmental issues in recent years.
His main activities include the establishment of an environmental protection organization and the production of a film starring himself as an advocate for environmental issues.
In addition, when an oil spill occurred in Japan, he sometimes used part of the proceeds from his works to support the victims, such as by making donations.
Introduction of Lassen's works
An appeal that can be easily conveyed without specialized knowledge
Lassen's paintings are instantly recognizable as "beautiful" even without a deep knowledge of Western or Japanese art.
In the world of art, from the 20th century to the present, visual beauty at a glance has often been ignored. This is due to the shift from "art to be enjoyed with the eyes" to "art to be enjoyed with the mind," led by Marcel Duchamp and others.
For more information, please see this article → 10 Key Figures for Understanding Contemporary Art
Lassen's work is appealing in that it does not need to be viewed in the context of so-called "contemporary art.
Detailed depictions of nature based on his experience as a surfer
Lassen's paintings are characterized by a meticulous depiction that is reminiscent of American super-realism.
As a surfer and a native of Hawaii, Lassen has always lived with nature, and he combines several techniques in his paintings, including the precise touch of layered paint with a brush and the use of silkscreen, a type of printmaking technique.
Easy to decorate as interior decorations
Lassen's works have a brilliant charm that makes them ideal for interior decorations, such as the entranceway, where they are the first thing visitors see when they come in, or the reception room, where you want to add a touch of glamour.
His luminous expression will bring light to your interior.
1) Enchanted Mystery
The fine splashes created by the whale's tail and the moon's fantastic light while almost revealing even the craters on its surface are fascinating.
The calm atmosphere of the night and the faint human breath that breathes in the far right corner are also soothing.
The colors of blue and faint pink will also match well with the calm atmosphere of the bedroom.
(2) Secret Purse
This work features a large tiger against a background of space painted inside a sphere.
Lassen is famous for his paintings of dolphins and sea creatures, but he also sometimes uses land creatures such as tigers and humans as motifs, as in this work.
Even when he paints land creatures, the tiger's head is poking out of calm, wave-free water.
Perhaps the phenomenon that Lassen, who also has a face as a surfer, really wanted to depict is actually "water.
(3) Sakura Fantasy
Lassen, who is also a Japanophile, has also produced paintings incorporating cherry blossoms.
Two dolphins are jumping on a night with a cherry blossom snowstorm.
The shining full moon and the dolphins splashing in the water give a lovely and gorgeous impression.
4) Innocence
This work depicts two dolphins swimming together in harmony.
The light falling on the dolphins' bodies and shimmering through the waves is very beautiful. The simple composition and the adorable expressions of the dolphins are the secret of its popularity.
5) Lord of the Millennium
This fantastic work contrasts the blue universe with two powerful tigers. The clear colors of the two tigers against the background of the vast universe are eye-catching.
The white tiger depicted in the work is a protected animal whose population is currently declining. It can be said that this theme shows a side of the artist as a nature conservationist.
TRiCERA recommends 5 marine artworks
THE LIFE (natural) by meo
W 91.00cm x H 65.20cm / ¥200,000
Twilight by TETSUYA UEDA
W 42.50cm x H 54.00cm / ¥190,000
Diving by Marco Ortolan
W 50.00cm x H 40.00cm / ¥121,300
Going to surf 3 by Elena Sokolova
W 40.00cm x H 50.00cm / ¥42,800
Just Curious by Beate Blume
W 80.00cm x H 80.00cm / ¥296,600
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