Founded in 1954, the ‘Gutai’ group officially known as the Gutai Art Association became Japan’s first post-war radical art movement that was characterised by its innovative and experimental approach to art making. Formed by a group of young artists under the leadership of Jiro Yoshihara, these individuals relentlessly sought ways to challenge traditional notions of art by redefining the boundaries of what art could be and invited viewers to actively engage with their works, both physically and intellectually.
The renowned Gutai artists such as Kazuo Shiraga, Atsuko Tanaka, Sadamasa Motonaga, and Tsuyoshi Maekawa often placed emphasis on the materiality of art as this enabled them to discover new artistic avenues and expand the possibilities of artistic expression. In doing so, Gutai artists established pioneering techniques and experimented with a wide range of media that allowed them to fully engage with the creative process. Gutai artists also valued spontaneity, improvisation and the element of chance in their creative practice as this allowed the materials to dictate the direction of the composition in creating immersive sensory experiences for the audience. Blurring the lines between art and experience, many of Gutai’s early achievements foreshadowed later developments in happenings, performance art, and conceptual art. The use of different textures, colours, and forms had fostered a spirit of innovation and stimulated artistic discourse that extended beyond Japan and continues to inspire artists worldwide today.