Written by Lilli Donohue, Photographs by Lilli Donohue
The SCAD Museum of Art gathers students, art lovers and artists from all over the world. This fall they have nine new exhibitions. From Mexican woodblock prints to 18th century British portraiture, there is a wide variety of art on view. Izumi Kato is just one of many unique exhibits SCAD MOA has brought to the city of Savannah.
Izumi Kato is a Japanese painter. He makes works on traditional stretched canvases but also huge sculptural paintings that hang from the ceiling of the Elaine Poetter Gallery. Most of his work is untitled but these hanging paintings/sculptures could be described as spirits. Kato was born in Shimane, Japan. His art and upbringing are rooted in Shintoism. The kami is a supernatural entity that inhabits all things, this is a very strong belief of Shintoism. This is an important lens needed to see Kato’s work through.
As visitors walk through Kato’s hanging sculptures, it is easy to see their curious gaze. “Stand by You” is a very unique show. There are also more traditional paintings along the walls but still with a little twist. All of the paintings are made of two canvases and the focal points are split down the middle. He paints animals and faces with spirit-like features. Another layer of interest is added when looking at the texture of his work. The painting is presented on two canvases, joined together by one frame. Kato uses his hands as well as spatulas but no traditional paintbrushes to make marks. There are a variety of bright colors as well as mixed paints. This creates interesting textures as pigments can be seen overlapping and showing visible layers in some areas.
Kato doesn’t apply his paints as one would expect. He uses his hands! While wearing latex gloves to protect from the oil paint, he swirls beautiful colors around the canvas. To cover larger areas of flat color he uses spatulas to spread the paint evenly. The colors on their own may not be the most appealing but the juxtaposition of colors creates stunning overall work.
Getting up close and personal with these paintings can give loads of inspiration. The SCAD MOA is here for students, a place to explore techniques from finger painting to resin casting to lithographs. The museum gives community tours and has student-docents on staff at all time that can answer questions about the works inside the galleries. Izumi Kato’s “Stand by You” will be on view until January 16, 2022.
Find more information on exhibitions here and on Instagram.
