On Kawara ( December 24, 1932 – July 10, 2014) was a Japanese conceptual artist who lived in SoHo, New York City, from 1965.
On Kawara was a renowned conceptual artist known for his exploration of time and existence through art. His most famous series, “Today,” consisted of date paintings meticulously documenting the date on which each painting was created. These works often featured only the date in the language of the country where they were made, capturing the passage of time in a minimalist yet profound manner. Kawara’s art was deeply contemplative, inviting viewers to reflect on the transient nature of life and the significance of each passing moment. Through his disciplined and introspective approach, Kawara challenged the traditional notions of art, inviting audiences to engage with the essence of time itself.
