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of art by this artist.
Kazuo Shiraga Biography
Kazuo Shiraga was a Japanese abstract painter renowned for his pioneering role in the postwar avant-garde movement and his unique method of painting with his feet. Born on August 12, 1924, in Amagasaki, Japan, Shiraga's artistic journey began at the Kyoto Municipal Special School of Painting, where he graduated in 1948. Initially trained in the traditional nihonga style, Shiraga's exposure to Western art during his studies sparked a desire to break away from conventional Japanese painting techniques.
In the early 1950s, Shiraga, along with fellow artists Saburo Murakami and Akira Kanayama, co-founded the Zero Society (Zero-kai), an avant-garde group that sought to create art from a point of nothingness. This philosophy led Shiraga to experiment with automatic painting, using his fingers to apply paint directly onto the canvas. However, it was his transition to foot painting in 1954 that marked a significant turning point in his career. Shiraga's innovative approach involved laying canvases on the floor and using his feet to manipulate thick layers of oil paint, often while suspended from a rope. This physically engaging method allowed him to express a raw, visceral energy that became the hallmark of his work.
Shiraga's affiliation with the Gutai Art Association, which he joined in 1955, further solidified his reputation as a leading figure in the Japanese avant-garde. The Gutai group, founded by Jiro Yoshihara, encouraged its members to embrace experimentation and to create unprecedented forms of artistic expression. Shiraga's performances, such as "Challenging Mud" (1955), where he wrestled with a mixture of clay and cement, exemplified the Gutai spirit of innovation and physicality.
Throughout his career, Shiraga continued to refine his foot painting technique, producing a body of work characterized by dynamic compositions and a rich, sculptural texture. His paintings often featured bold, swirling forms and a vibrant palette that reflected his intense engagement with the canvas. Shiraga's art was not only a physical act but also a spiritual pursuit. In 1971, he was ordained as a Buddhist priest, and his religious beliefs began to influence his artistic practice. He adopted the monk name Sodo and integrated Buddhist themes and symbolism into his work.
Despite his success in Japan and Europe, Shiraga's contributions to the art world were not fully recognized in the United States until after his death on April 8, 2008. In recent years, however, his work has gained international acclaim, with major exhibitions showcasing his paintings and highlighting his role in the Gutai movement. Shiraga's legacy continues to inspire artists and captivate audiences with its powerful expression of freedom and individuality.
Today, Kazuo Shiraga's works are included in prestigious collections worldwide, such as the Hara Museum of Contemporary Art in Tokyo, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. His innovative spirit and the profound impact of his foot paintings on the trajectory of abstract expressionism ensure that Shiraga's name remains synonymous with the avant-garde and the endless possibilities of artistic creation.
Kazuo Shiraga Quotes and Sales
of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
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professionalism.
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