IZUMI Keiji: Today we take a different path from what we did Yesterday

IZUMI Keiji

IZUMI Keiji: Today we take a different path from what we did Yesterday

2023 May 20 – June 25

Hiro Hiro Art Space is delighted to present IZUMI Keiji’s solo exhibition, Today we take a different path from what we did Yesterday, which showcases the variation of sculptural formations and IZUMI Keiji’s explorations in creative constructions. Through the conversion of forms and the flow of imagery, IZUMI Keiji incorporates his observations of life and humanity into his art, constructing usual yet unusual, humorous, and whimsical sculptures.

IZUMI Keiji(b. 1973), majoring in Sculpture at Tokyo Zokei University, has been continuously endeavoring to embody his interest in human beings through his woodcarvings since he began his career as a sculptor. The emotions of the people around him, their physical features, behaviors, and their relationship with each other and the environment have all triggered his keen perception and association. In his earlier works, he combined figures with elements from nature, such as mountains, waterfalls, rainbows, and everyday objects like light bulbs, televisions, and kettles, resulting in imaginative and narrative works that fully demonstrate IZUMI’s sensitivity to life and rich imagination towards the human.

In recent years, IZUMI Keiji has further expanded the possibilities of his sculptural expression to incorporate not only elements of nature and everyday objects but also the usage of geometric shapes and highly saturated colors. This concept has emerged from his observations of simple forms and geometric shapes in daily life, which he perceives can be configured and converted to visualize his mind and sensation in his sculptures.

IZUMI Keiji’s recent works embrace abstraction and geometric forms, but this does not mean that his works are no longer related to nature. On the contrary, he subtly integrates natural elements into his recent sculptures. In his work “Today we take a different path from what we did Yesterday”, the light blue color represents the clear sky under the morning sun, and the joined-up circles symbolize each choice and action made. The daily dawn seems to give us an opportunity to choose our life path again, and “Today we take a different path from what we did Yesterday” is also IZUMI Keiji’s selfexpectation in seeking the fusion of forms and exploring the possibilities of creation. The imagery of colors and images, and the transformation between dynamic/static, tangible/intangible, and figurative/abstract forms, bring a sense of expansion and visual tension into his works.

The starting point and boundaries of imagination can never be precisely pinpointed, but in IZUMI Keiji’s works, the viewers can feel his exploration and inventiveness in shapes, experiences, and perceptions, as well as his profound reflections on life and existence. Through the form of sculpture, the works lead the viewers into a world full of whimsy and inspiration.

IZUMI Keiji

Works

Press

CV

1973  Born in Fukushima, Japan 

2001  B.A, Sculpture Department, Tokyo Zokei University  

2003  Completed Postgraduate Studies, Tokyo Zokei University

Solo Exhibitions

2025
“Suddenly, a Landscape”, Hiro Hiro Art Space, Taipei, Taiwan

2023     
“Today we take a different path than yesterday”, Hiro Hiro Art Space, Taipei, Taiwan

2020     
“Invention of K”, SHINBI GALLERY, Tokyo, Japan

2019     
“PERSON – FORM”, The Art Club, Taipei, Taiwan

2013     
“Hairy to the bone”, ARATANIURANO, Tokyo, Japan

2009     
“Underarm Waterfalls”, ARATANIURANO, Tokyo, Japan

2008     
“Merging into one”, Galeria Punto, Okayama, Japan
“IZUMI Keiji Exhibition”, KINGYO Gallery, Tokyo, Japan

2005     
“IZUMI Keiji Exhibition”, Yukobo art space, Tokyo, Japan

Selected Group Exhibitions

2024
“STUDIO KATAKURIKO EXHIBITION”, Yumikobo, Okayama, Japan

2022     
“KALEIDOSCOPE”, AISHONANZUKA, Hong Kong

2019     
“SUPER OPEN STUDIO”, STUDIO KATAKURIKO, Kanagawa, Japan

2018     
“SUPER OPEN STUDIO”, STUDIO KATAKURIKO, Kanagawa, Japan
“Obon night in Koide ke”, ZaisyohouseKoide, Aichi, Japan

2017     
“Spring Fever”, Komagome SOKO, Tokyo, Japan

2015     
“N COLLECTION: Ship of Theseus”, ART BASE MOMOSHIMA, Hiroshima, Japan

2014     
“COLORED NOISE for 8/02/CUBE1,2,3”, Shibuya HIKARIE 8/CUBE, Tokyo, Japan
“hard-working collectors / easy-going works”, YCC, Kanagawa, Japan

2013     
“New Year’s Party”, ARATANIURANO, Tokyo, Japan

2012     
“The 8th Zokei Contemporary Artists Show– Looking for a wonderland”, Tokyo Zokei University Attached Museum, Tokyo, Japan

2011     
“JAPANCONGO”, Le Magasin – CNAC , Grenoble, France
“A Toshiharu Miki Tokyo Zokei University resignation special exhibition: escapes a line”, GALLERY SAOH & TOMOS, Tokyo, Japan

2010     
“Living With Art-Contemporary Art from Japan and Taiwan”, Yi&C.Contemporary Art, Taipei, Taiwan
“手感的妙  PART 2: Contemporary Airy Crafts from Japan to Taiwan”, PROJECT FULFILL ART SPACE, Taipei, Taiwan
“Small Paintings”, ARATANIURANO, Tokyo, Japan

2008     
“Multiple Worlds”, ARATANIURANO, Tokyo, Japan

2007     
“Nakanojo Biennale”, Gunma, Japan

2006     
“Parallel pentagon”, Gallery Tanaka, Tokyo, Japan
“〜Gallery’s selects #14〜 STUDIO Katakuriko exhibition”, Art Spot Gallery / Sagamihara City Gallery, Kanagawa, Japan
“From Atelier”, Yumikobo, Okayama, Japan

2005     
“Our Summer Vacation”, Gallery Yuu, Kanagawa, Japan

2003     
“Contemporary Sculptures & Ceramisc Exhibition of Turkish-Japanese Artists”, Kyoto / Tokyo, Japan
“Hanadoki”, Spiral, Tokyo, Japan

2002     
“Triple Play”, Gallery LE DECO, Tokyo, Japan

2001     
“S-4”, Sumida Riverside Gallery, Tokyo, Japan

2000     
“Fresh juice”, Gallery Seira, Tokyo, Japan

1999     
“Two body types”, Gallery Oishi, Fukuoka, Japan