Whitestone Gallery Singapore is proud to present our first Gutai Movement showcase; GUTAI: Beyond the Canvas.
Following our first exhibition ERUPTION: Japanese Post-War Avant-Garde in New Art Museum Singapore, we are delighted to bring you another show of the Gutai Art Association.
Tearing of paper, muddling paint with their feet, throwing bottles of paint, work focused on color and gesture, bold and energetic brushstrokes to express raw, emotional power and even wearing a dress composed of electric bulbs. This compilation of eccentricities and performances became characteristics of the Gutai movement.
First founded in 1954 by Jiro Yoshihara after World War Ⅱ, the Gutai Art Movement was an Avant-Garde collective that sought to break traditional art forms and experiment with techniques. Its philosophy emphasized the connection between art matter and the human spirit, advocating for innovation and unrestraints in art— remaining as an emblem of creativity, characterized by unthinkable techniques and deep philosophical engagement.
Gutai’s first generation members consisted of Jiro Yoshihara, the founder of Gutai, along with Shozo Shimamoto, Kazuo Shiraga, Chiyu Uemae, Atsuko Tanaka, Tsuroko Yamazaki, Yasuo Sumi and Sadamasa Motonaga. Their pioneering transformed the landscape of contemporary art, emphasizing the act of creation itself as a performative, physical process.
By using their bodies as tools in the creative process, they broke away from traditional artistic conventions. Using their experimental approaches to materials, often incorporating unconventional substances like metal, textiles, and even electricity, their focus on material experimentation and engagement pushed the boundaries of what art could be. Motivating viewers to be active participants in the creative process, these artists laid the groundwork of Gutai for not only their future members, but future movements in performance, installation, and conceptual art.
A second generation of artists later joined Gutai, merging innovative techniques with philosophical engagement. They distinguished themselves by addressing post-war themes such as identity, individual expression, freedom, and materiality, emphasizing artistic processes and community gatherings.
Featuring iconic works from Tsuyoshi Maekawa, Shuji Mukai, Takesada Matsutani, and Yuko Nasaka, this exhibition consists of innovative techniques and social themes ingrained into the Gutai movement where viewers will be able to encounter the works of these artists who navigated the complexities of contemporary life in changing Japan.
Maekawa (1936, Osaka, Japan), had revolutionized the art scene by making use of abnormal materials such as linen cloth, sand and cement, crafting experimental paintings which captured the essence of his materials. His works invite his viewers to reflect on conventional ideals that may have underpinned the movement.

Singapore

Searching for information and tickets regarding Gutai Group Exhibition: GUTAI: Beyond the Canvas | Singapore taking place in Singapore on 2025年1月11日–3月2日 (UTC+8)? Trip.com has you covered. Check the dates, itineraries, and other information about Gutai Group Exhibition: GUTAI: Beyond the Canvas | Singapore now! Trip.com has also prepared more similar exciting activities and discounted flight and hotel packages.

Gutai Group Exhibition: GUTAI: Beyond the Canvas | Singapore: Tickets, Dates & Itineraries | Trip.com

Gutai Group Exhibition: GUTAI: Beyond the Canvas | Singapore

Gutai Group Exhibition: GUTAI: Beyond the Canvas

Gutai Group Exhibition: GUTAI: Beyond the Canvas | Trip.com

null | Trip.com

Spread the word! Share your result with friends and discover their opinions!

Raffles Singapore

Luxury Hotels

Resorts World Sentosa - Equarius Villas

Near Universal Studios Singapore|Sentosa Island, Singapore

Family Hotels

Universal Studios Singapore

Immediate access

Book now for today

Best Things to Do

Amusement parks

Anonymous User

It&rsquo;s been a while since stepping into USS! First of all, ticket price is reasonable and i got a free minion lanyard from trip.com, love it. Best thing is you will only need to click into trip.com and use the qr code to enter, no need to download, entering was smooth and fast.

Gardens by the Bay

Night view

Ana_on the run

This is definitely worth visiting! We only had one day in Singapore and it was great to spend amongst the flowers and plants!

Capella Singapore

Cultural Hotels

Marina Bay Sands Singapore

Near Marina Bay Sands|Marina Bay, Singapore

Instagrammable Hotels

The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore

Night Safari

I really enjoyed this trip. It is worth with the price. I recommend you to go and visit there.

S.E.A. Aquarium

Family-friendly Attractions

The aquarium is not big, there are a lot of people ～ about an hour to finish shopping ～ It&rsquo;s not bad to take a break in it ～ There are still quite a lot of types of fish ～ It&rsquo;s good to popularize science for children! There are also barrier-free facilities designed very well ～

Skyline Luge Singapore

Cable car

Very cost-effective, very fun, suitable for parents and children, the scenery of the cable car return at sunset is very beautiful, there will be a breeze and not hot, recommended! ! ! Three times just like different tracks, it is safe to try once, there will be the first teaching

Time:	2025年1月11日–3月2日 (UTC+8) ENDED
Location:	Whitestone Gallery Singapore 39 Keppel Road, #05-03/06 Tanjong Pagar Distripark

Gutai Group Exhibition: GUTAI: Beyond the Canvas | Singapore

Details

Vote

Are you interested in Gutai Group Exhibition: GUTAI: Beyond the Canvas?

Recommended Products for Gutai Group Exhibition: GUTAI: Beyond the Canvas | Singapore

Raffles Singapore

Resorts World Sentosa - Equarius Villas

Universal Studios Singapore

Gardens by the Bay

Capella Singapore

Marina Bay Sands Singapore

The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore

Night Safari

S.E.A. Aquarium

Skyline Luge Singapore

Gutai Group Exhibition: GUTAI: Beyond the Canvas | Singapore

Details

Vote

Are you interested in Gutai Group Exhibition: GUTAI: Beyond the Canvas?

Recommended Products for Gutai Group Exhibition: GUTAI: Beyond the Canvas | Singapore

Raffles Singapore

Resorts World Sentosa - Equarius Villas

Universal Studios Singapore

Gardens by the Bay

Capella Singapore

Marina Bay Sands Singapore

The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore

Night Safari

S.E.A. Aquarium

Skyline Luge Singapore

More contents about Singapore