Exploring the themes of Guggenheim Abu Dhabi’s exhibition, The Creative Act: Performance, Process, Presence, the Gutai Art Lab workshop encapsulated the experimental processes of painting, performance, and the playful interactions used by Japan’s most influential avant-garde art association. Held at Manarat al Saadiyat on June 17, the workshop invited teens and young adults ages 13 and above to explore the techniques of the Gutai Art Association’s Artists and artworks on display in The Creative Act exhibition.
The playful art lab inspired participants to translate the live actions of ink, paint, and various materials to create experimental and theatrical canvases by pouring paint, smashing the canvas and pressing the body into the surface. The performative practices highlighted the art association’s concept of redefining traditional paintings to record the active processes of creation by exploring the nature of varied art materials, revealing the gestural act of creation and imbuing the work with a concrete presence.
Founded by artist, critic, and teacher Yoshihara Jirō (b. 1905, Osaka; d. 1972, Ashiya, Japan), the Gutai group explored new art forms that combine performance, painting, and interactive environments. Among the Japanese avant-garde art collective on display at The Creative Act are artworks by Motonaga Sadamasa, Tanaka Atsuko, and Shiraga Kazuo, who sought to liberate their work from the constraints of academic-style painting.
The Creative Act’s comprehensive programme of free public events and workshops is aimed at encouraging parents, children, teens and young adults to engage with the creativity on display in the exhibition through a wide variety of activities. Each workshop is directly linked to a specific artwork in the exhibition and presents the participants with an in-depth outlook into the topics and themes of the exhibition. Tailored hands-on activity tours, especially designed for children to create art with a parent or caregiver, and an array of workshops for teens and adults, offer the opportunity to explore the themes of the exhibition on the different aspects of the creative process including movement, performance, sound and sculpture.
On Saturday, 1st July, Making and Looking Together hands-on activity tour will allow children up to age five to create art with a parent or caregiver. Based on the artwork of Susan Hefuna, Anish Kapoor, and Tanaka Atsuko, the specially designed workshop will allow families to create art in the galleries in front of the actual works.
