OKAMOTO TARO

Taro Okamoto (1911-1996) was a prominent Japanese artist known for his avant-garde and experimental approach to art, spanning various mediums including painting, sculpture, and public art. He was a leading figure in postwar Japanese art, celebrated for his vibrant and energetic style, and his belief that "art is an explosion". He is also well known for the "Tower of the Sun," the iconic symbol of Expo '70 in Osaka. 

Okamoto's artistic journey began with studies at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts, followed by a transformative period in Paris in the 1930s. In Paris, he engaged with the surrealist movement, studied ethnology and philosophy, and interacted with artists like Picasso and Breton. Returning to Japan, he became a vocal advocate for a unique Japanese aesthetic rooted in the raw energy of Jomon culture, contrasting it with what he saw as the overly refined and restrained Japanese artistic tradition. 

Okamoto's artistic philosophy emphasized the importance of instinct, vitality, and challenging conventional norms. He believed art should be accessible to all and should provoke, rather than merely please the eye. This belief is evident in his large-scale public works, such as the Tower of the Sun, and his frequent appearances on television where he disseminated his ideas in a direct and engaging manner. His legacy continues to inspire artists and viewers alike, emphasizing the power of art to connect with primal human emotions and to challenge the status quo.