Artist

Kumi Sugaï

Portrait of Kumi Sugaï
Portrait of Kumi Sugaï

Japanese, 1919–1996

Kumi Sugaï was a Japanese Abstract Expressionism artist. 4 works are cataloged here, principally at Museum of Modern Art. Kumi Sugaï was born in Kobe.

Kumi Sugai (菅井 汲, Sugai Kumi; March 13, 1919 – May 14, 1996) was a Japanese painter and printmaker. Driven by an interest in avant-garde painting, Sugai moved to Paris in 1952 where he quickly attracted critical attention, participating in numerous exhibitions in Paris and abroad. First working in a style resembling informalism or lyrical abstraction, he became affiliated with the Nouvelle École de Paris.

During the early 1960s, his artworks radically transformed when he developed a hard-edge abstract style influenced by his interest in automobiles and contemporary urban living. While he did not officially associate himself with any single artistic movement or group, he collaborated on multiple projects with his poet friends, Jean-Clarence Lambert and Makota Ōoka.

Works by Kumi Sugaï

Collections represented

Catalog records compiled from museum open-access collections; the artworks shown are in the public domain. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.