Shiraga Kazuo

Shiraga Kazuo is one of the best-known Gutai Art Association members, notably for his direct use of body in the action of painting. In his early career, Shiraga took up oil painting after studying nihonga (Japanese-style painting) at university. Since the 1950s, Shiraga attempted to spread oil paint directly onto paper with painting knife, his fingers and hands, and later with his feet, in order to create the most unmediated expression possible. Shiraga’s activity was recognised by the French writer and art critic Michel Tapié, and was included in the Art Informel Movement and has received international attention ever since.