130419 Chicago 045

From the text in the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago accompanying this work:

Kazuo Shiraga
(Japanese, 1924-2008)
Tenshosei Botsuusen, 1960

Oil on canvas
The Rachofsky Collection

While Kazuo Shiraga was know for his use of "bloody" crimson colors in his breakthrough work of the early 1950s, after meeting the influential French critic Michel Tapié (1909-87), he began to introduce new colors, such as the rich blues and purples seen here, which Tapié felt would have a greater appeal to international audiences.

Kazuo ShiragaTenshosei BotsuusenMuseum of Contemporary Art ChicagoMichel TapiéChicagoIL