Umenec
Born in Kariya, Japan
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. Kawara’s early life was shaped by a burgeoning postwar Japan, followed by studies in Tokyo and a formative three-year period in Mexico City where he immersed himself in art education and cultural exploration. This initial exposure to diverse artistic currents laid the groundwork for his later conceptual investigations. The 1960s found him oscillating between New York and Paris, eventually settling in New York in 1965 – a city that would become his primary base until his death. It was within this vibrant art scene that Kawara began to distill his artistic vision, stripping away personal expression to focus on the core elements of information and idea.
The ‘Today’ Series: A Chronicle of Existence
Kawara's most iconic contribution to the art world is undoubtedly the “Today” series, or “Date Paintings,” which he began on January 4, 1966.
