Masao OKABE

Japanese contemporary artist Masao OKABE (b. 1942) was born in Nemuro, Hokkaido, and graduated from Hokkaido Gakugei University (now Hokkaido University of Education) in 1965. Internationally known for his works made with the approach of frottage, Okabe’s practice engages in issues of historical trauma and memory. In the second half of the 1980s, the artist started making frottage works of remains resulting from the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, which culminated in his presentation on behalf of Japan at the Venice Biennale in 2007. Active in Japanese and international art festivals and exhibitions, Okabe has remained steadfast in his practice, and has been making art and participating in art events in cities around the globe.