Onitsuka Tiger is honored to present “PARASITIC : ONITSUKA”, a solo exhibition of new works by acclaimed Japanese artist Izumi Kato at Tiger Gallery™, an art gallery project to support creativity and craftsmanship internationally at the Onitsuka Tiger London flagship store. Celebrated for his paintings and sculptures featuring mysterious yet endearingly humanoid creatures, Kato’s practice gives a material form to the Japanese indigenous spirit and culture. With their embryo-like heads, distant yet transfixing gazes, and luminous, elongated silhouettes, Kato’s iconic and alluring figures evoke ancient totems, extra-terrestrial beings from science fiction, and pre-historic organisms.
For this exhibition at Tiger Gallery™, the artist has specially created a series of works that combine his signature sculptures with various Onitsuka Tiger sneakers, new paintings on Onitsuka Tiger shoe boxes, as well as mixed media pieces paying homage to the Onitsuka Tiger brand.
The works in this exhibition are an evolution from Kato’s previous Plastic Model Series, a series of sculptures that combine his signature figures with ready-made products. Kato says: “I work by looking at the qualities of the original materials and consulting with them, and this work was created in the same way, in consultation with sneakers.”
Having grown up in the coastal prefecture Shimane, home to one of the oldest sanctuaries, Kato became closely acquainted with mystic folklore from an early age. The characteristic quality of Kato’s work can be linked to the belief that everything, including objects such as rocks and wood, are inhabited by mystical beings.
For Kato, collaborating with Onitsuka Tiger was an easy decision. He says: “I have been wearing Onitsuka Tiger sneakers since I was a kid and I have always been a fan. To this day I still wear their recently revived sneakers. It was also significant that the brand was Japanese, where I was born. Onitsuka Tiger has always been part of my life, so the idea of using materials from Onitsuka Tiger products that I am familiar with as my artwork seemed natural.”
This exhibition is to open on June 17th and to close on September 22nd, 2023 at the gallery space of Onitsuka Tiger Regent Street, London Flagship.
Izumi Kato – “PARASITIC : ONITSUKA”
At Onitsuka Tiger Regent Street, London Flagship
On view from June 17th to September 22nd
Monday – Sunday : 11:30AM – 6:00PM
#OnitsukaTiger #Tigergallery
■Izumi Kato
Izumi Kato (b. 1969) lives and works between Tokyo and Hong Kong. His recent solo exhibitions have been held at institutions such as WATARI-UM, The Watari Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo; the SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) Museum of Art, Georgia; Hara Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo; the Hara Museum ARC, Gunma; the Fundación Casa Wabi, Puerto Escondido; the Red Brick Art Museum, Beijing; Galerie Perrotin, Paris and New York, etc.; and Stephen Friedman, London. In 2007, his work was included in the 52nd Venice Biennale International Exhibition Storr.
■Onitsuka Tiger
Onitsuka Tiger creates sports inspired fashion in the pursuit of ultimate comfort and innovative design. The style symbolizes our respect to our heritage and our admiration for refined and contemporary creative styles. Innovative technologies in our products lie where the eyes cannot see. Our full line of products is one of a kind from head to toe. They come to life through craftsmanship that obsesses over quality and detail. We answer the cravings of those who look for a “new luxury”.
■Art Intelligence Global
Founded by art market forces Amy Cappellazzo and Yuki Terase, Art Intelligence Global offers an unrivaled breadth of expertise and a holistic understanding of every corner of the market. With headquarters in New York and Hong Kong, AIG delivers bespoke services to a range of clients on a global scale.
■Bennu Global Entertainment
In BGE, we aim to add value for our clients by utilizing our global network and spreading in-vogue Japanese content throughout the world.
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HISTORY OF THE BRAND
Japanese fashion brand Onitsuka Tiger continues to present a contemporary collection that combines fashion with sports, and heritage with innovation. In 1949, Kihachiro Onitsuka established Onitsuka Co., Ltd., the forerunner of ASICS. The brand began with a commitment to promoting youth health, and since then, the Onitsuka Tiger Stripes have become synonymous with one of the most world-renowned athletic brands. The legend lives on today in the fusion of Japanese heritage and modern flair. With designs ranging from updated classic silhouettes to refreshing
new styles and collaborations with like-minded artists and cultural connoisseurs, the spirit of Japan resonates in each new collection of Onitsuka Tiger shoes, apparel and accessories.
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