The determined individualism and unique artistic vision of Taro Okamoto (1911-1996), a leader in Japan's 1960s-'70s avant-garde art scene, continues to be a source of inspiration to many people today.
"His way of thinking will never go out of date," says Hiroshi Osugi, curator of the Taro Okamoto Museum of Art in Kawasaki. "His straightforward attitude toward life gives direction to youngsters who are not sure how to live in today's society."
Almost as famous for his wacky personality as his art work, Okamoto was often depicted as an eccentric character in the media. The commercial in which he shouted out "Geijutsu wa bakuhatsu da! (Art is an explosion!)" only strengthened this image.