Portrait of Western Woman 

Fujishima Takeji painted this oil on canvas titled “Portrait of Western Woman” during a period when Japan was actively engaging with Western art and culture. Takeji, who was born in Japan, studied abroad in Europe. The painting offers insight into the dynamics of cultural exchange and representation. During this period, there was a fascination with the ‘exoticism’ of the West and Western women. It is important to consider how this fascination might influence the depiction of the subject in terms of identity, gender and cultural differences. The woman's gaze, her attire and the overall aesthetic contribute to a narrative that balances the artist's cultural perspective with the conventions of Western portraiture. This artwork prompts us to reflect on the power dynamics inherent in cross-cultural representation and the complexities of seeing and being seen. It encourages questions about how identity is negotiated and portrayed across different cultural contexts.