Born in Osaka, Japan, Kudo emerged as a significant avant-garde voice in the late 1950s and early 1960s. He was closely associated with the Han-geijutsu (Anti-Art) movement, which sought to dismantle traditional artistic conventions through provocative performances and unconventional materials.

His practice is characterized by a recurring focus on the human form, often rendered as fragmented, synthetic, or decaying figures intertwined with electronic components and everyday objects. These works reflect his lifelong preoccupation with the impact of science, technology, and ecological change on the biological limits of humanity.

Kudo’s legacy continues to be examined in contemporary institutional contexts, including his inclusion in thematic exhibitions such as the 2026 Beyond the Manosphere group show at the Stedelijk Museum, which highlights his enduring influence on the discourse surrounding masculinity and the body.