Wave-87-12-8 1987

Matsutani made this artwork titled Wave-87-12-8 out of vinyl adhesive and graphite in Japan. Looking at this artwork, the eye is drawn to the wave-like form, a raised semi-circle rendered through subtle manipulations of the material. The monochrome palette evokes a sense of starkness which perhaps mirrors the socio-political context in Japan at the time. In the 1980’s Japan experienced rapid economic growth, but with it came social pressures, environmental issues and questions around individual identity in a rapidly changing world. Matsutani was a member of the Gutai Art Association, an avant-garde group active after World War II. Gutai artists often engaged with new materials and techniques, challenging traditional notions of art and embracing experimentation. To further explore the meanings of this work, we might consult period publications, artists' statements, and historical analyses of the Gutai movement. This will allow a more comprehensive understanding of the ideas and cultural forces that shaped its creation.