Shuzo Takiguchi (1903-1979) is known as a poet and art critic and for introducing surrealism to Japan. He supported a large number of young artists in promoting the true sprit of the avant-garde. For young artists before and after World War ll he was a strong leader and mentor. In 1958, Takiguchi served as commissioner of the Venice Biennale and while traveling in Europe met André Breton and Marcel Duchamp. These encounters were a turning point in his life, and on returning to Japan, he began creating artworks of his own. Through a large amount of experimentational drawings and paintings, he created a wide array of works: from burnt drawings (burnt with a flame), roto-dessins (drawing with a motor), decalcomania, water color paintings, etc. Despite being small in size, Takiguchi's works are both high in quantity and in quality, therefore making it easy to appreciate him just as highly as an artist than as a poet and art critic.

Last year, the traveling exhibition “Poet and Art: Shuzo Takiguchi's Surrealism" showcased activities and work from throughout Takiguchi’s life, including the poetic experiments of his adolescence, his work from before and after the war and his work after his life-altering time in Europe. This year, Tezukayama Gallery will present Takiguchi first and foremost, as an artist, exhibiting over 30 of his works, including drawings, roto-dessins and decalcomania, illustrating his original technique and approach.

*image (left)
Shuzo Takiguchi
I-41,
Roto-dessin, pencil, paper, 18.5 x 18.8cm
courtesy of the artist