100th Birthday Commemoration - Kazuo Shiraga

Amagasaki Cultural Center

Finished

Artists

Kazuo Shiraga

Abstract painter Kazuo Shiraga (1924-2008) created his works by placing blobs of paint on canvases spread out on the floor and spreading them across the surface using his bare feet while holding onto a rope suspended from the ceiling. His dynamic and powerful works, created with the full force of his body, leave a strong impression on viewers and are highly regarded worldwide.

In the late 1950s, when Shiraga began his barefoot action painting, he was a member of the avant-garde art group "Gutai," which aimed to "create something that has never been done before." The young members of Gutai produced new expressions with free imagination. Shiraga's unique works were particularly praised by Michel Tapié, a French art critic who visited Japan, and through Tapié, Shiraga's works became widely known abroad.

Shiraga had a deep attachment to his hometown of Amagasaki, where he lived and worked until his death at the age of 83. This year marks the 100th anniversary of his birth, and in his birthplace Amagasaki, the exhibition traces his footsteps.

This exhibition will not only showcase his works but also shed light on the context in which they were created. It will explore the memories of Amagasaki's festivals, which can be considered the origin of his energetic action painting, recreate the studio in his family home "Kiichi Gofukuten," display items he cherished, and include materials related to Tendai esoteric Buddhism, which he studied to train his mind and body for creation. These elements will provide a comprehensive look at the career of an action painter who relentlessly pursued challenges throughout his life.

Furthermore, through various related events, the exhibition will explore the multifaceted appeal of his works, which continue to influence contemporary artists.

Schedule

Jul 27 (Sat) 2024-Sep 23 (Mon) 2024