Kazuo Shiraga
Western style painter
Kazuo Shiraga Career
1924: Born in Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan.
1948: Graduated from Kyoto Municipal College of Fine Arts (now Kyoto City University of Arts), Department of Japanese Painting.
1949: Participated in the formation of the Gutai Art Association.
1951: Held the 1st Gutai Art Exhibition.
1960s: Established his own method of production called foot painting.
1971: Enlightened at Enryakuji Temple on Mt.
1999: Received an award from the Minister of Education for his contribution to regional culture.
2001: "Kazuo Shiraga Exhibition: Representative Works of 'Action Painter'" held at the Museum of Modern Art, Hyogo.
2008: Died of septicemia.
Characteristics of his works
Foot Painting: A unique technique in which he paints barefoot, holding onto a rope hanging from the ceiling while placing paint on a canvas spread out on the floor.
Powerful Expression: Energetic movements and thick layers of paint create works full of life.
Abstract: The artist eschews figurative motifs in favor of abstract expressions of emotion and feeling.
Color: Vibrant and powerful colors are used.
Recognition
One of the most prominent artists of the postwar Japanese avant-garde.
His unique foot painting technique greatly influenced Abstract Expressionism.
Highly acclaimed both in Japan and abroad, his works are in the collections of museums around the world.
Howard Schultz, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Starbucks Corporation, also has a collection of Shiraga's work.
Representative Works
Cochineal (1958)
White" (1960)
Black" (1961)
Blue" (1964)
Gold" (1980)
Kazuo Shiraga's Achievements
Kazuo Shiraga is a painter who contributed greatly to the development of abstract painting in Japan. Using his unique foot painting technique, he created dynamic and vital works that made him one of the leading figures in postwar Japanese avant-garde art. His works are highly acclaimed both in Japan and abroad and are in the collections of museums around the world.
Kazuo Shiraga's achievements can be summarized as follows
Establishment of the foot painting technique: Kazuo Shiraga established a unique technique of painting barefoot on a canvas spread on the floor while holding on to a rope hanging from the ceiling, opening up new possibilities for abstract expression.
Deepening of abstract expression: By eschewing figurative motifs, he contributed to the deepening of abstract expression by expressing emotions and sensations in an abstract manner.
Revitalization of avant-garde art: Kazuo Shiraga contributed to the revitalization of avant-garde art in postwar Japan, including his participation in the formation of the Gutai Art Association.
Kazuo Shiraga's works give strong energy to the viewer. By viewing his works, we can face our own inner selves and make new discoveries.
