Fireworks in Nagaoka

Kiyoshi Yamashita, affectionately known as the "Naked General," was a traveler ... and he never bothered with carrying art supplies during his extensive journeys across Japan.

One of the places he visited for its fireworks festival was the city of Nagaoka in Niigata Prefecture. This festival aimed to console the souls of the approximately 1,500 residents killed in Allied air raids on the night of August 1, 1945. Yamashita said, "If everyone focused on creating beautiful fireworks instead of making bombs, perhaps the war would never have occurred." His clear eyes recognized the value of everyday life. His memories of this event inspired the masterpiece we present today crafted in the hari-e collage style, which is a traditional Japanese art of tearing, cutting, painting and assembling pieces of art from special papers such as Japanese Rice/Silk papers to depict images.

His rucksack contained only two bowls, a pair of chopsticks, a hand towel, a change of clothing, and five small rocks for protection against barking dogs. He often spent his nights at train stations and eagerly sought out nearby fireworks displays whenever he heard of them. In his book Nihon Burari-burari (Roaming Idly Around Japan), he wrote, "Regardless of what people may say, fireworks are truly beautiful. When summer arrives, I shall continue to attend them."

In this amazing masterpiece, we see a momentary flash, followed by a dazzling explosion of color and pattern, met with cheers from the audience. The remaining sparks transform into countless tiny stars that fill the sky. Yamashita's captured every fleeting moment of this ephemeral splendor.

Have a great end of 2023!  :))))

Zuzanna & the DailyArt Team

P.S. If you want to start the new year with an artsy beginning, please check our 2024 DailyArt Desk and Wall calendars, full of beautiful masterpieces.  :) 

P.P.S. Fireworks are usually very picturesque; no wonder they also inspired artists. Here's how fireworks were depicted in art!  And if you need help with New Year's resolutions, these art-inspired ideas might help you!