Osamu Mori - Gigantization Manifesto

Rokuzan Art Museum

Finished

Artists

Osamu Mori

Osamu Mori (1983–) is a highly regarded contemporary sculptor, primarily known for his work in wood carving. He is often hailed as one of the leading young talents in modern sculpture. His recent work, "3MMM–Rivalry" (2022), has been acquired by the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, further solidifying his growing international reputation.

Mori is renowned for creating large-scale works that leave a powerful impression on viewers, such as his iconic piece "Jamboree–E. P." (2014, not included in this exhibition), a nearly four-meter-tall androgynous depiction of a singing Elvis Presley. This year, inspired by the 800th anniversary of Unkei's death, Mori sharpened his focus on the issue of scale in imagery, boldly declaring a "Declaration of Magnification," committing to creating even larger works in the future.

This milestone year marks Mori's first museum exhibition, offering a unique opportunity to experience the world of Mori's art by tracing his creative journey from his student days through to his major works and recent creations.

Among the featured pieces are "Sumo Stomp" (2007), which showcases his pursuit of detailed representation, and "Much Ado About Love–Kappa" (2009), a chimera combining Marilyn Monroe and a kappa interpreted in the context of pop icon deconstruction and grotesque, and "Lighter–Vacanti Mouse" (2021), which reflects on the tradition of "chance images." Additionally, "On the hand–The Statue of Liberty" (2021), a mere 4 cm tall, and various torsos, unfinished works, and fragments will also be displayed. The approximately 3-meter "3MMM–Melt & messy" (2023) is likely to be the last chance to view this piece in Japan.

Schedule

Sep 14 (Sat) 2024-Dec 8 (Sun) 2024