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On Kawara

1933 – 2014

On Kawara
Modern
Modern

On Kawara

Born 1933 Died 2014 Works span 1965–1965

A Life Measured in Dates: The Conceptual World of On Kawara On Kawara, born in Kariya, Japan, in 1932 and passing away in New York City in 2014, stands as a pivotal figure in the landscape of post-war conceptual art. His journey, marked by geographical displacement and an unwavering dedication to exploring the very essence of time and existence, resulted in a body of work that is both profoundly minimalist and deeply philosophical. K…

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dated works
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chapters
1965
first work
1965
last work
Chronological Journey

The Lifeline

Scroll through On Kawara's working life — artwork by artwork, chapter by chapter — from the earliest dated work to the last. Each thumbnail is pinned at its exact year on the gold axis.

Drag or scroll to travel through time

Chapters — Career Periods

The ribbon is divided into shaded bands, one per career chapter. Each chapter groups On Kawara's works by their historical period — early training, mature practice, final years.

Thumbnails — Dated Works

Every thumbnail is pinned at its precise creation year. A thin gold thread drops from the image to its exact point on the axis. Larger frames mark the artist's masterpieces by rank.

Colour Band — Movement Drift

The gradient bar beneath the axis shifts colour as the dominant art movement changes over time — from the warm golds of the early period through the deeper tones of maturity. It fills progressively as you scroll.