'Matsutani Currents'

Oct. 10-Dec. 6

Takesada Matsutani was a member of Kansai’s renowned but controversial Gutai Art Association, which challenged conventional definitions of art. Strongly influenced by the Gutai leader Jiro Yoshihara, Matsutani often used glue for his surrealist and abstract expressionist paintings. After winning the opportunity to study in Paris through the Mainichi Art Award in 1966, Matsutani returned to Japan and his roots, using pencil as his main medium. Now, his signature style mixes graphite with glue — blotting out bulges made from paste, usually using black pencil.

The Otani Memorial Art Museum, Nishinomiya City, which is in Matsutani’s home town, delves into the artist’s background, covering his artistic formative years in both Nishinomiya and Paris.

Otani Memorial Art Museum, Nishinomiya City; 4-38 Nakahama-cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo. Koroen Stn. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. ¥800. Closed Wed. 0798-33-0164; www.otanimuseum.jp/home

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