Untitled 

This is an untitled painting made by Shozo Shimamoto, a member of the Japanese Gutai group, which was formed in 1954 in the aftermath of World War II. Shimamoto's work embodies a radical approach to art-making, challenging traditional notions of painting. Gutai artists sought to break free from established artistic conventions. As a Gutai artist, Shimamoto was deeply concerned with the relationship between the body, materials, and action. His performances often involved acts of destruction and creation, reflecting a desire to liberate the artwork from the artist's control. Shimamoto once said, "I considered that to drip the paint was not painting, but rather to make the paint alive." Think about the act of painting without a brush, the physicality involved in flinging and pouring paint. The vibrant colors are layered and chaotic. This piece evokes themes of renewal after destruction. It’s an emotional record of its creation.