Neo-Dada Organizers was a Japanese Neo-Dadaist art group formed by Masunobu Yoshimura that was active from 1960 until 1963. Composed of around ten young painters and performers who met periodically at Yoshimura's atelier in Shinjuku, they "announced their radical stances through introducing destructive akushon (action) that deviates from any conventional form of art", and aimed to "shock the audience with impulsive, disturbing performances." They used the human body as their medium of art. Their violent performances were both based in artistic intentions and responded to the political climate the time.
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Origins
Neo-Dada Organizers was reacting to a Japan that was rapidly modernizing after the destruction of World War II. Beyond opposing the art of the time, they reacted "to the increasing number and tenacity of public policies aimed at regulating the body", and in particular to the efforts by the Liberal Democratic Party government, led by Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi, to renew the United States Japan Security Treaty, which led to massive protests across the country.
Participants
Neo-Dada sympathizers (non-members but participated)
Activity (1960)
April 4–10
The first Neo-Dada Organizer exhibition was held at the Ginza Gallery in Tokyo.
June 18
The group put on performances in and around Yoshimura's atelier to note the signing of the Anpo Treaty.
July 1–10
The second "Neo-Dada" Exhibition took place at Yoshimura's atelier in Shinjuku.
Sept 1-7
The third Neo-Dada exhibition was put on at the Hibiya Gallery near Hibiya Park.
Sept 30
The "Bizarre Assembly", an outdoor destructive performance was held at Yoshimura's studio.
Influence
The Neo-Dada Organizers were influenced by American Neo-Dadaists such as Jasper Johns and Robert Rauschenberg.