Japanese Artist Izumi Kato Creates Artwork for Sculpture Milwaukee and Untitled Art Beer
When Sculpture Milwaukee’s Executive Director and Curator John Riepenhoff approached Japanese artist Izumi Kato with a request to use a close-up of his sculpture “Untitled (2024)” for a beer can design, the artist gladly agreed. The artwork, exhibited near the Milwaukee Art Museum from June 2024 until the previous month, had already captivated over three million visitors.
The vivid image now appears on the newly released Kato Candy IPA, brewed by the Waunakee-based Untitled Art, with proceeds supporting Sculpture Milwaukee’s initiatives. This collaboration ties together contemporary art and Milwaukee’s vibrant beer scene.
“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,” said Kato. “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 lighthearted condition, Kato requested that several cans of the beer—an updated version of Untitled Art’s well-known Cotton Candy IPA—be shipped to his Tokyo studio.
Author’s Summary:
Japanese sculptor Izumi Kato lent his art to a Milwaukee beer label, merging contemporary sculpture with craft brewing to support Sculpture Milwaukee’s cultural initiatives.