【Nagano】The Art of Kami-ha – Avant-Garde Artists Gathered in Suwa, 1969-1974
An exhibition showcasing the activities of avant-garde artists who gathered in Suwa from 1969 to 1974 is being held in Nagano.Summary
The exhibition “The Art of Kami-ha – Avant-Garde Artists Gathered in Suwa, 1969-1974” is being held at the Ina Cultural Hall in Nagano Prefecture. In the late 1960s, as doubts about established systems and values grew in Japanese society, avant-garde artists began to gather in the Suwa region, seeking to engage with society through “words” and “actions” rather than material works like paintings and sculptures. Matsuzawa Yutaka, who advocated conceptual art, was a prominent figure in the area at the time, and their activities have traditionally been discussed centering around him. However, this exhibition focuses on individual artists and events, unraveling their expressions and relationships through surviving works, photographs, letters, and other materials. It is a valuable opportunity to experience the expressions they attempted, influenced by the rich nature and culture of Suwa. The term “Kami-ha” (paper-ha) refers to the use of “paper” as a medium for expression and record-keeping, as these artists aimed for immaterial art. A talk event with Ashizawa Taii and a gallery tour by a curator will also be held.
(Source：artscape)