Untitled

Kato Izumi graduated from Musashino Art University. After receiving professional training, Kato Izumi completely transcended himself and gravitated towards an artistic style that is reminiscent of African totems and Japanese shadow of the clay puppet from the Jomon period (14,000-400 BC). Kato abandoned acrylic and used a spatula or rubber gloves to apply oil paint on canvas and sculptures, which became a turning point in his creation. His style of painting has also transitioned from symbolic to "more humane forms and faces". Kato's hand-painting process allows him to easily achieve the desired effect as he wants, while immersing himself in the pleasure of painting with oil. Even if there is a preliminary composition in his mind, Kato will still allow his work to evolve naturally in the organic creative process.
In his work, the figure seems enveloped in a protective bubble, perhaps an embryonic sack in which he hides but peers inquisitively out to the world. In this work, Kato renders his subject with exotic colours, which imbues a surreal almost psychedelic effect. Two germinating seedlings grow at such speed to the edge of the canvas. At once the figure is artificial in his rendition yet appropriately exemplifies the initial stages of human or natural life eliciting sentiments of comfort, mystery and serenity as though we as viewers, sense a familiarity in the womb-like construction of the painting. Holding our gaze tightly, the androgynous figure captivates the viewer with his swirling and hypnotic eyes.