Ichiro Fukuzawa
Floral Abstraction by Japanese Artist Ichiro Fukuzawa
20th Century

About the Item

Ichiro Fukuzawa (Japanese, 1898-1987) Untitled, 20th Century Oil on canvas Sight: 15 3/4 x 12 1/2 in. Framed: 25 1/4 x 21 3/4 x 2 1/2 in. Signed lower left: GUKUZ Partial label verso Provenance: Former Collection of Tokai Bank Ltd., New York Agency Born 1989 (Meiji 31) in Tomioka Town (currently Tomioka City), Kitakanragun, Gunma Prefecture. His father would later become the mayor of Tomioka Town. Fukuzawa entered the literature department of Tokyo Imperial University, but he rarely went to school and instead entered the studio of Asakura Fumio, intent on becoming a sculptor. First accepted into the Imperial Exhibition in its 4th round in 1922 with his sculpture work, "Suikan". Traveled to France in 1924. Created works influenced by Giorgio de Chirico and Max Ernst. Sent a shock through the art world when the 1931 1st Independent Art Association Exhition selected a work he created in Europe for its special display. When he returned to Japan, he introduced surrealism to the nation and continued to make sharply satirical works, and became a central figure in the avant-garde movement. Left the Independent Art Association in 1939 and founded the Arts Culture Association. In April 1941, he was arrested for disobeying the Peace Preservation Law along with Takuguchi Shuzo. After the war, he continued creating large works critical of society, and he also traveled around the world, creating works showing the livelihood of the people of those regions. With his heavy human expressions born from his powerful use of colors, sturdy expression, rich compositions, all pierced through with a dry, sharp satirical wit, Fukuzawa is a special singular light in the history of Western painting in Japan. Began working with hanga in the 1950s, ultimately creating around 150 lithographs and copperplate prints. Taught at Tama Art University and Joshibi University of Art and Design. Awarded Order of Culture in 1991. Passed away in 1992 (Heisei 4). Bio sourced from Toki-No-Wasuremono

Creator:

Ichiro Fukuzawa (1898 - 1987, Japanese)

Creation Year:

20th Century

Dimensions:

Height: 25.25 in (64.14 cm)Width: 21.75 in (55.25 cm)Depth: 2.5 in (6.35 cm)

Medium:

Canvas,Oil

Movement & Style:

Modern

Period:

20th Century