Past screening

Japanese Avant-Garde Pioneers

Runtime: 1h 40min Certificate: 15 Year: 2025
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Details

Runtime: 1h 40min Certificate: 15 Year: 2025
Country: UK
Topics: Arts & Culture
Last Screened: Thu 30th Oct 2025

Amidst the profound social change and political turmoil of 1960s post-war Japan, a bold generation of avant-garde artists emerged, redefining the boundaries of art through underground theatre, experimental photography, surreal illustrations, and the radical dance of Butoh.

Their groundbreaking creations not only captured the spirit of their time but also transformed the global art landscape forever. Japanese Avant-Garde Pioneers features over 700 artworks, rare archive footage and interviews with Araki Nobuyoshi, Moriyama Daidō, Hosoe Eikoh, Ishiuchi Miyako, Tanaami Keiichi, Yokoo Tadanori, Mishima Yukio, Hijikata Tatsumi, Ohno Kazuo, Terayama Shūji and many more.

The screening on Thursday 30 October will be followed by a Q&A with director Amélie Ravalec and a book signing of Japan Art Revolution, the companion art book published by Thames & Hudson

This event is taking place as part of Asian Art in London, which promotes London as a centre of excellence for the arts of Asia. From 27th October – 6th November 2025, a diverse and expansive programme of specialised exhibitions and auctions will be hosted in and around Central London. Check out their website for the full programme and further information.