Suda Kokuta

Suda Kokuta (Japanese: 須田 剋太, 1 May 1906 – 14 July 1990) was a Japanese artist of the 20th century. Initially, in the 1930s, Suda painted in a figurative style (Yoga) before moving on to become an important abstract painter of the Japanese avant-garde art scene throughout the 1950s, 60’s and 70’s. In later life, he focused on Zen calligraphy. He was an active member of numerous discussion groups regarding art and calligraphy and in 1955 he co-founded the Modern Art Club of the Kansai region along with Yoshihara Jiro (1905–1972), Yagi Kazuo (1918–1979) and Tsutaka Waichi (1911–1995). In 1967, he became a teacher at Nishinomiya School. In the 1970s, he illustrated many travel essays and in 1985, wrote a book entitled Watakushi no zokei: Gendai Bijutsu (My Shaping: Modern Art), a philosophical volume concerning his thoughts and influences.