Aichi Triennale

Kato Izumi’s paintings and sculptures are representations of undifferentiated primitive lifeforms, fetuses, animals, or beings that are perhaps hybrids thereof. Primal relationships involving humanity, nature, and the environment can be observed in his works, which evoke a return to the womb while also appearing to be relating new mythological stories. An invitation to exhibit at the 52th Venice Biennale, International Exhibition in 2007, provided the artist with a boost that led to a number of highly acclaimed presentations around the world. In addition to the conventional carved and painted wooden sculptures, Kato has recently incorporated new materials such as soft vinyl, plastic model kits, stone, textiles, aluminum, and bronze into his practice, extending his painterly approach to encompass soft sculpture and installations, while being aware that they are still paintings for him.

Selected exhibitions

2022–23

Solo exhibition, Parasitic Plastic Models, WATARI-UM, The Watari Museum of Contemporary Art (Tokyo, Japan)

2021–22

Solo exhibition, STAND BY YOU, SCAD Museum of Art (Savannah, USA)

2019–20

Solo exhibition, LIKE A ROLLING SNOWBALL, Hara Museum of Contemporary Art/Hara Museum ARC (Tokyo/Gunma, Japan)

2019

Solo exhibition, Izumi Kato, Fundacion Casa Wabi (Puerto Escondido, Mexico)

2018

Solo exhibition, Izumi Kato, Red Brick Art Museum (Beijing, China)