This catalogue accompanies the 20th anniversary exhibition of the Shimane Art MuseumIzumi Kato:RoadtoSomebody(2025). A comprehensive retrospective of Izumi Kato (b. 1969, Shimane), the exhibition traces the evolution of his distinctive “human-like” motifs—figures reminiscent of both humanity and its embryonic origins. Alongside paintings, the show presents large-scale wooden sculptures, installations with soft vinyl and plastic models, as well as Kato’s music and product-based works. His free-spirited practice, at once humorous, mythical, and rooted in a sense of the indigenous, resonates deeply with viewers. Including essays by anthropologist Toshiaki Ishikura, an interview with the artist, and images of all exhibited works, this volume offers the most comprehensive overview of Kato’s artistic universe to date.
