Shozo Shimamoto

Shozo Shimamoto, one of the founding members of the Gutai group, is acknowledged as the individual who coined the term 'Gutai.’ As an artist, Shimamoto has always demonstrated an innovative and pioneering mindset. The group published a newsletter called Gutai, intending to promote its activities on the world stage. They posted it to various people involved in art around the world to communicate with them. This movement later became called 'Mail art', where artists could send their works to each other beyond national borders. Above all, Shimamoto's art is characterised by large-scale dynamism. For example, the international art community recognises Shimamoto for his cannon painting technique, which involves shooting paintballs using handmade cannons and for his bottle-throwing paintings. Shimamoto's art is essentially the embodiment of the spirit of Gutai - a movement that drew international attention to contemporary Japanese art - as it captures the very essence of 'the trace of action.’ ABOUT GUTAI »