The Spirit of Avant-Garde Photography - Transforming "Nothing Much"

During the 1930s, a large number of works influenced by surrealism were shown in Japan under the heading "avant-garde photography". Among these were works by Takiguchi Shuzo (1903-1979), who soon thereafter founded the Avant-Garde Photography Association along with Abe Nobuya (1913-1971). Their theoretical approach to the photographic medium would in turn influence other experimental Japanese artists such as Otsuji Kiyoji (1923-2001) and Gocho Shigeo (1946-1983). Collectively these artists have made an indelible impact on 20th-century photography in Japan, which is the subject of this seminal exhibition catalogue on their work and legacy.