Mokuma KIKUHATA is a famous post-war artist, although he`s not well known among the younger generation. With Takami SAKURAI, Ochi Osamu and Mitsuko TABE he was a member of the group "Kyushu-ha". He created "Dorei keizu" and "Roulette series" - both very dramatic for their time. He`s had exhibitions at art galleries and museums in Tokyo which were regarded as very shocking. Notoriously, a discussion with famous critic Ichiro Hariu once degenerated into fisticuffs.

In other words, a man of passion, a certain reputation and many stories - an "enfant terrible" of the Japanese art world. If you`re interested, I recommend 2 books by Kikuhata - "Anti-Art Talks" and "Modern Art According To A Painter". He`ll give a short series of lectures on "Japanese modern art", "War Paintings" and "Kyushu-ha" at Kyushu university over 3 days this month.

It`s an excellent opportunity to hear about the thought and art of this influential figure direct from the horse`s mouth. Come and join!®