Tsuyoshi Maekawa (°1936, Japan) is one of the few remaining members of the Gutai Art Association, Japan's most important avant-garde (1954?1972), which has been receiving a lot of international attention the last few years. This book is the first monograph about Maekawa. It brings together many historic images and documents of the Gutai period, found in the archives of the Ashiya City Museum of Art & History and contains an unpublished interview with Maekawa, held by Gutai expert Koichi Kawasaki, as well as an essay by Shoichi Hirai, chief curator at the Kyoto Museum of Modern Art, placing the artist in an international artistic context. This monograph offers an in-depth exploration of Tsuyoshi Maekawa's artistic journey, focusing on his contributions to the Gutai Art Association and his subsequent evolution as an independent artist. The book compiles a wealth of archival materials, including previously unpublished photographs and documents from the Ashiya City Museum of Art & History, providing valuable insights into Maekawa's creative process and the broader Gutai movement. An exclusive interview conducted by Gutai expert Koichi Kawasaki delves into Maekawa's personal experiences and artistic philosophy, while an essay by Shoichi Hirai, chief curator at the Kyoto Museum of Modern Art, contextualizes Maekawa's work within the international art scene. This comprehensive volume serves as a critical resource for understanding Maekawa's innovative use of materials, particularly burlap, and his role in expanding the boundaries of contemporary art.Tsuyoshi Maekawa: Born in 1936 in Japan, Maekawa is a prominent figure in postwar Japanese art. He joined the Gutai Art Association in 1962, where he became known for his experimental use of burlap in creating textured, abstract works. After the dissolution of Gutai in 1972, Maekawa continued to innovate, developing a unique artistic language that emphasized materiality and form. Koichi Kawasaki: A respected art historian and curator specializing in Japanese avant-garde movements, Kawasaki has extensively researched the Gutai Art Association. His scholarly work includes interviews and critical analyses that have contributed significantly to the understanding of Gutai artists. Shoichi Hirai: Serving as the chief curator at the Kyoto Museum of Modern Art, Hirai is an authority on contemporary Japanese art. His curatorial projects and writings have provided deep insights into the evolution of modern art in Japan, with a particular focus on postwar movements like Gutai. Shoichi Hirai: Serving as the chief curator at the Kyoto Museum of Modern Art, Hirai is an authority on contemporary Japanese art. His curatorial projects and writings have provided deep insights into the evolution of modern art in Japan, with a particular focus on postwar movements like Gutai. Axel Vervoordt: A Belgian art dealer, collector, and curator, Vervoordt is renowned for his discerning eye and commitment to promoting artists who explore the intersection of Eastern and Western aesthetics. Through his gallery and foundation, he has played a pivotal role in bringing international attention to artists like Maekawa.