The Gutai Group

The Gutai Group was an influential Japanese avant-garde art movement founded in the 1950s. Originating in the city of Ashiya, it sought to push the boundaries of traditional art by emphasizing experimentation and the use of unconventional materials. Gutai artists aimed to engage viewers through interactive and dynamic artworks, often involving performance and the act of creation itself. They believed art should reflect the spirit of the times and explore the relationship between art and society. The group was significant for its innovative approaches, influencing contemporary art well beyond Japan, particularly in the realms of performance and installation art.