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Shift from Modernism to Avant-garde |
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| In 1960's, a group of avant-garde young artists appeared from the
members of Sotokai. They formed "Group Ko"; members included: Yoko
Ohama, Kiko Shiroma and Jissei Omine. They were the group of artists
influenced by informel movements such as Gutai and Neo-dada in mainland
Japan.
Group Ko criticized Okiten artists and Sotokai members for their artistic practice had already fallen into sentimentalism. They also disagreed with the Sotokai leaders' idea of too much academism. They thought art must eliminate literary elements, and should use things in daily life, and should be with "public." Ohama said, 'Conventional paintings uses paint and images are drawn in a canvas. I want to use direct objects or things and let them express.' (Dec. 16, 1965, Okinawa Times) However, Group Ko's idea was not understood. Their activity seemed to be difficult to understand for public. Their practice contradicted to their fundamental idea. Yet, their exhibitions drew a lot of people's attention. Heated discussion was held on local newspaper. Some criticized their works still depended on tableau or fine art, which contradicted to what they said of just following a fad. Group Ko's idea was radical but practice couldn't venture past their conventional ideas. Consequently they broke up in 1967. |
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| After Group Ko's anti-"fine art" movements, some members who left the group started their activity. During 1968-1972, they held open air exhibition
in a park or a river. Some artist piled up used tires, sticked coins to long
plywood wall, or filled a square with pressed cans. Those works reflected their anger or irritation against political situation in Okinawa, Japan and world. Between late 1960's and early 70's, social conditions in Okinawa was turbulent: Vietnam War broke out in 1965. B52s took off from Kadena Air Base night and day, B52's crash in 1968, Cancellation 2.4 General Strike in 1969, Sato & Nixon Joint Communique stating the schedule of Okinawa Reversion in 1969, Koza Riot in 1970. It may be a healthy reaction for the young artists to have desire to express themselves directly using new style during the time. Although local journalism didn't pay attention to them very much, military issued news paper covered them with the caption "Angry young artists." However, they did not have clear theory for their artistic practice. Mostof the members stopped work afterward. After all, avant-garde movement in 1960's came to end due to lack of supportive foundation. |
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