Japanese Artist Izumi Kato Collaborates on Sculpture Milwaukee Beer Project
When Sculpture Milwaukee Executive Director and Curator John Riepenhoff approached Japanese artist Izumi Kato for permission to use a close-up image of his sculpture “Untitled (2024)”—displayed near the Milwaukee Art Museum from June 2024 until last month—as beer can artwork, the artist readily agreed.
The vibrant image, viewed by more than three million people while installed in Milwaukee, now appears on Kato Candy IPA, a new beer brewed by Waunakee-based Untitled Art as a fundraiser supporting Sculpture Milwaukee.
“I’m very happy that my work has been seen by so many people. My art doesn’t contain social commentary, and my creativity is deeply personal,” Kato said. “Still, I always hope that my work is open to anyone, including those outside the art world. I want each viewer to interpret it in their own way.”
“I’m honored to be part of this project, promoting the beer culture of Milwaukee as a collaborator. I hope people all over the country will enjoy this delicious beer.”
As a final request, Kato asked Riepenhoff to send several cans of the Cotton Candy IPA-inspired brew to his studio in Tokyo.
Author’s Summary
Izumi Kato lends his art to a charitable Milwaukee beer collaboration that merges creative expression with community spirit across borders.