Please note: Yasushi Rikitake is a contemporary Japanese composer known for lyrical, programmatic works for concert band and chamber ensembles. “Portraits of Jennie” is one of his most evocative works, inspired by the classic 1948 fantasy film Portrait of Jennie (directed by William Dieterle, based on the novel by Robert Nathan).
Before the "Jennie" series, Rikitake was known for his "Vanishing Tokyo" collection—paintings of neon-lit alleyways dissolving into fog. However, in 2016, he discovered a deteriorating film reel of the 1948 classic Portrait of Jennie (directed by William Dieterle, starring Jennifer Jones). The film, which tells the story of a man who falls in love with a ghost moving backwards through time, triggered a creative seizure in Rikitake. Portraits Of Jennie By Yasushi Rikitake.108
The ".108" portrait of Jennie by Yasushi Rikitake is a remarkable piece that showcases the artist's technical skill and creative vision. Through its captivating composition, bold linework, and thoughtful use of color, the portrait invites the viewer to engage with Jennie's enigmatic presence. As a standalone piece or part of the larger "Portraits of Jennie" series, ".108" is a testament to Rikitake's artistry and his ability to capture the essence of his subjects. Please note: Yasushi Rikitake is a contemporary Japanese
There’s a haunting, cinematic quality to this piece. It drifts between nostalgia and longing, like a memory you can’t quite hold onto but can’t let go of. The piano feels both fragile and determined, as if Jennie herself is slowly coming into focus through mist and time. Portrait I: The Meeting – Fragile, sparse texture;