Mai Kato (加藤 舞)

1992　Born in Gifu, Japan
2017　B.F.A in sculpture, Tama Art University, Tokyo, Japan (Top Graduate)
2020　M.F.A in sculpture, Tama Art University, Tokyo, Japan (Top Graduate)
2023　Based in New York

Mai Kato was born in 1992 in Gifu, Japan. Kato graduated from Tama Art University in 2017 with a Bachelor’s degree in sculpture. She became a top graduate of the graduate school of the same university in 2020 and is a member of the Japan Artists Federation.

With steel, Kato creates works that explore the notion of “things that change and that which remains unchanged” in time. Through a unique method of gas welding, cutting processes, and the use of acetylene (a combustible gas) and oxygen, Kato produces sculptures reminiscent of iron drawings in space. In 2015, the artist began creating two-dimensional works (drawings and paintings) with metallic materials such as iron powder, iron rust, and pure gold leaf on hand-made Mino Washi paper, a traditional Japanese paper from Gifu Prefecture. Through her art, Kato aspires to create a space in which contradictory transiences, such as beauty and decay, splendor and simplicity, may coexist.

By fusing Japanese tradition and innovation, expression and technology, the artist seeks the prospect of creating new values in metal sculpture.

Artist HP｜https://maikato-sculpture.com/
IG｜https://www.instagram.com/_maikato

［Solo Exhibitions］

2021　 yo ha ku, GALLERY IRIYA (Tokyo, Japan)
2021　 Iron Memory, Lexus Nagara (Gifu, Japan)
2021　 The Iron Drawing, Lights Gallery (Aichi, Japan)
2019　 Toki no Katachi, Tama Art University (Tokyo, Japan)
2018　 Tetsu wo Tokasu, GALLERY IRIYA (Tokyo, Japan)

［Group Exhibitions］

2023　   Being – Mom is a Woman -, √K Contemporary (Tokyo, Japan)
2022　   KAI Design Exhibition, FOAM CONTEMPORARY, Ginza Tsutaya Books (Tokyo, Japan)
2022　   Amabiki Village and Sculpture 2022, Hachimangu Shrine (Ibaraki, Japan)
2020　   Spring Art Exhibtion, GINZA ATRIUM, Ginza Tsutaya Books (Tokyo, Japan)
2019　   HAIKU-Sculpture 2019, Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts (Okinawa, Japan)
2018　   JAA New Members Exhibition, JAA Gallery (Tokyo, Japan)
2018  　 The 9th Shoes Box Sculpture Exhibition, National Taiwan University of Arts (Taiwan, Taipei)

 

[ Commission Work ]
2019　 Lexus Nagara, L.Lounge (Gifu, Japan)

 

[ Commissions ] 
AICHI METAL Co. (Aichi, Japan) / Kai Corporation (Gifu, Japan)/ Lexus Nagara (Gifu, Japan）

 

[ Others ]
2017　Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, Next-Generation Culture Up-and-Coming Artist Development, “Up-and-Coming Artist Development Project in Support of the Artistic Pursuits of People with Disabilities”