This exhibition, which focuses on abstract painting, continues from the previous period and introduces three artists: Imai Toshimitsu and Domoto Hisao, who traveled to France in the 50s and participated in the Informel movement, which had a major influence on later abstract painting, and Kusama Yayoi, who traveled to the United States in the same period and opened up her own unique field of painting, including net painting. Also featured is Lou Zhenggang, who is currently highly acclaimed around the world for her innovative style that combines Chinese ink painting with contemporary art, from the later period.


Lou Zhenggang (1966-) was highly praised for his talent in calligraphy as well as his knowledge, intelligence and memory, and was recognized by the Chinese government at the young age of 12 as a "child with extraordinary intelligence." He then moved from his hometown of Heilongjiang Province to Beijing to receive a gifted education. In 86 he moved his base from Beijing to Tokyo and began to actively create works, holding solo exhibitions and art tours in Asia, the Middle East and North America. With his advanced skills in calligraphy and painting, unique aesthetic insight and deep education, he has produced many works that combine abstract and contemporary individuality.
This exhibition will display a total of 2015 pieces, including an approximately 8-meter eight-panel folding screen created in 2018 and new works created in 45, in three rooms: Exhibition Rooms 2 and 5 on the second floor and the banquet room on the first floor, allowing visitors to view Lou Zhenggang's magnificent-scale works.


What did these four artists seek and find in abstract expression?
This exhibition explores this essence and traces the creative trajectory of each artist.


[Exhibiting Artists]
Toshimitsu Imai, Yayoi Kusama, Hisao Domoto, Seiko Lou (in alphabetical order) *Only on display in the second half of the exhibition


[What is the Informel Movement?]
Informel means "shapeless."
After World War II, an avant-garde art movement aiming for "non-standard" forms arose in Europe, primarily in France.
At the same time, Abstract Expressionism was emerging in the United States, and the Gutai Art Association in Japan also had a similar style of work.
Abstract expression became increasingly popular all over the world at the same time.

• Planning

  Karuizawa New Art Museum Foundation

• Co-sponsored

  Sponsor: NEW ART HOLDINGS Co., Ltd.

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