Kato Izumi

In one of my recent favorite exhibitions, the art of Kato Izumi features a series of fascinating humanoid figures whose identities are shrouded in mystery. This recurring theme that archetype is revisited repeatedly, encapsulates "a visual anthropology of not entirely human but human-like figures."

The character is reminiscent of the tree spirit "Kodama" from Japanese anime with qualities reminiscent of fictional alien creatures. In his work, these little figures have elongated limbs and no arms and legs, and are often described as "alien-like," "humanoid," "expressionless," "sphinx-like," "ghostly," and "primitive.” and “totem”. The head is usually the fullest, especially the face, which is distinctly styled, often with a bright color palette.

These figures are associated with the Shinto tradition of pantheistic polytheism and the devout animism of Japan's native culture. While viewers are already familiar with the enigmatic humanoid figures in the artist's work, the works reveal a more recent shift: the introduction of animal figures and their important connection to anatomy. Animal elements often appear in anthropomorphic form, but they have evolved into independent, tangible forms that coexist with their perennial protagonists the humanoid figures.

Kato Izumi
Date: 24 Mar – 18 May 2024
Gallery: Perrotin
Address: 807, K11 Atelier Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
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