Genichiro Inokuma (Japanese, 1902–1993) began his career as a figurative artist, later becoming well known for his abstract paintings. Born in Takamatsu in Shikoku, Inokuma later moved to Marugame, before relocating to Tokyo, where he studied at the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music. He quickly established himself as a talented artist, and, in 1926, began exhibiting in prestigious shows.
In 1938, Inokuma traveled to Paris, studying under Henri Matisse, who inspired him to seek out his own style. In 1940, Inokuma returned to Japan and became involved in a number of different projects, which included teaching classes, designing books, and installing large-scale murals.
In 1955, Inokuma went to New York City, where he was influenced by the Abstract Expressionists. While there, he befriended artists such as Mark Rothko, Isamu Noguchi, John Cage, and Jasper Johns. After suffering a stroke in 1973, he returned to Japan, where he lived for the rest of his life. In 1991, a museum dedicated to his work opened in Marugame. He died in 1993 at the age of 90.
Source: Artnet