SAGE Paris announces the participation of Mari Katayama to the 58th Venice Biennale, “May You Live In Interesting Times”, curated by Ralph Rugoff, director of the Hayward Gallery, London. Her work is shown both at Central Pavilion and Arsenale from 11 Mai 11 to November 24, 2019
“May You Live In Interesting Times” is focusing on the work of artists who challenge existing habits of thought and open up our readings of objects and images, gestures and situations.
Born with physical and mental handicaps and with only two fingers on her left hand , Japanese artist Mari Katayama who represents Japan at Venice Biennale 2019, chose to have both her legs amputated at the age of nine. Since then she has transcended her condition by works she creates, using her own body as a living sculpture.
In her photographic portraits, Mari Katayama is exploring the numerous challenges ascertaining to her physicality and identity, trying to show the memories of isolations she felt whilst growing-up. Mari Katayama invites us to her own reality, trying to prompt us to consider the forces shaping ideals of physical beauty. The photography series of Mari Katayama offer a reflection on the physical challenges and psychological fears she faces every day. In her works, the viewer is allowed to emotionally connect to her world in which the image of a fragmented body and the phenomenon of phantom limbs is deeply sensed.
Remarkably, Mari Katayama never set out to be an artist. Her photography was a way to a have a conversation with a viewer and stuffed objects-inlaid with lace, seashells, hair and crystals- were made purely for her own amusement. Today her work already has attracted notice from collectors and curators Simon Baker in particular in Europe and America.
SAGE Paris
1 bis avenue de Lowendal
75007 Paris
Venice Biennale 2019
11 Mai 11 to November 24, 2019
https://www.labiennale.org/en/art/2019
