Between Action and the Unknown ─ The Art of Kazuo Shiraga and Sadamasa Motonaga

This comprehensive book is the first in English to examine two of the most successful and important postwar Japanese artists, Kazuo Shiraga (1924–2008) and Sadamasa Motonaga (1922–2011). During an 18-year engagement with the Gutai Art Association, both artists experimented with unorthodox techniques, such as Motonaga’s use of smoke and water, or Shiraga’s method of painting with his feet. Relatively little, however, is known in the West about Shiraga and Motonaga beyond their involvement with Gutai. Essays aim to assert the importance of Shiraga’s and Motonaga’s post-Gutai careers—when they pursued exciting new styles and themes in their work—as well as to evaluate the legacy of Japan’s postwar avant-garde. Never-before-translated interviews with the artists, incisive essays by experts in the field, and a beautiful color plate section featuring many works never before seen outside of Japan complete this impressive catalogue.

Gabriel Ritter is the Nancy and Tim Hanley Assistant Curator of Contemporary Art, Dallas Museum of Art. Kawasaki Koichiis professor, Konan Women’s University, Japan. Namiko Kunimoto is assistant professor of history of art, Ohio State University. Nakajima Izumiis an independent scholar, Hitotsubashi University, Japan. Sawayama Ryo is an independent scholar and art critic.