Kumi Sugai (1919-1996) - Direction

Title
Kumi Sugai (1919–1996) 「DIRECTION」 – Hand-Signed Silkscreen – 1978 – Ed. 220/250

Description

This silkscreen work titled 「DIRECTION」 (1978) is a quintessential example of the mature geometric abstraction of Kumi Sugai, one of the most internationally acclaimed Japanese artists of the 20th century.

Born in Kobe in 1919, Sugai relocated to Paris in 1952 and became associated with the École de Paris. Over time, his style evolved from expressive calligraphic gestures to a refined hard-edge aesthetic inspired by urban signage, graphic clarity, and the visual concept of speed.

Executed in silkscreen — a technique Sugai favored for its capacity to achieve flat, luminous color fields — this composition presents bold yellow circular forms set against deep blue geometric structures. The dynamic contrast, rhythmic repetition, and controlled balance exemplify Sugai’s mastery of modern abstraction and symbolic visual language.

Sugai’s works are held in major international museum collections, including:

• Museum of Modern Art, New York
• Centre Pompidou, Paris
• National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo

This piece represents an elegant and accessible example from Sugai’s later period and is highly suitable for collectors of post-war Japanese art and mid-century modern abstraction.

Dimensions

• Image size: 12.6 × 22.7 cm
• Sheet size: 25.0 × 29.4 cm

Signature & Edition

• Hand-signed “Sugai” in pencil (lower right)
• Numbered “220/250” (lower left)

Condition

The artwork is in good vintage condition.
Colors remain vivid and well-preserved.
There is light age-related toning to the paper margins, consistent with its age (1978).

Offered as sheet only (unframed).

We will use Japan Post or DHL for shipping.
Please allow extra time for delivery as the items are shipped from Japan.
Please note that the listed prices do not include customs duties and taxes.
Please note that items may have scratches or stains due to age.
If an item exceeds the size or weight limits, it may be shipped in multiple packages.