Lot Essay
Born in Kyoto, Uemae learnt basic illustrations and Nanga technique by correspondence courses during his apprenticeship at a kimono laundry shop until he ran away hoping to become a painter. After having learnt Western painting by himself, he won first prize at the first Nikikai in 1947 and started to study under Kuroda Jyutaro (1887 - 1970). However, an astonishing encounter with Yoshihara Jiro's work led him to be one of the forming members of the Gutai Bijutsu Kyokai in 1954 and participated until the breakup in 1972. As a member of Gutai, his works were shown at important exhibitions including The International Art of a New Era: Informel and Gutai in 1958 where Yoshihara and Michel Tapié first collaborated and later at a number of Gutai and also solo exhibitions.
His style can be characterized by repetition and the use of everyday materials such as matches and sawdust.
His style can be characterized by repetition and the use of everyday materials such as matches and sawdust.