Sam Francis

Untitled, 1984

106.7 X 73 inch

What is Gutai?

What is Gutai?

Gutai was a group of Japanese radical artists who formed the Gutai Art Association in 1954. The word Gutai translates to embodiment. The group was known for creating art on the spot for live audiences, often incorporating their own physical movements. Their performances included actions like throwing paint, piercing paper, and rolling in mud, emphasizing the direct interaction between the body and the material.

Tempera

Tempera is a paint traditionally made by mixing colored pigments with egg yolk. It dries quickly and is highly durable, with some examples dating back to 100 AD still in existence. Modern tempera paint often uses glue size as a binder instead of egg yolk. Tempera is known for its bright colors and fine, detailed application, making it popular for panel paintings and icons.

Plaster

Plaster is a mixture of heat-treated powdered gypsum combined with water to create a workable material. It can be used to make solid sculptures, cast in molds, carved, modeled, or attached to other materials. Artists have used plaster for both working models and finished artworks for centuries due to its versatility.

Airbrush

An airbrush is a device that sprays various media, including paint and ink, using compressed air. Artists use airbrushes to create a smooth, even application of color, often achieving effects that are not possible with traditional brushes. James Rosenquist, an American Pop artist, regularly used an airbrush in his work. Before gaining fame with pieces like the iconic F-111 (1965), he worked as a commercial and industrial painter, where he honed his airbrush skills.

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