Japanese Artist Izumi Kato Collaborates on Sculpture Milwaukee Beer Label
When Sculpture Milwaukee Executive Director and Curator John Riepenhoff asked Japanese artist Izumi Kato for permission to use a close-up of his sculptor's piece Untitled (2024), Kato agreed. The sculpture was displayed near the Milwaukee Art Museum from June 2024 until last month.
The colorful image, which was seen by over three million people during the installation, now features on the label of the newly released Kato Candy IPA. This beer, brewed by Waunakee-based Untitled Art, serves as a fundraiser for 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.”
Kato also expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating he felt honored to promote Milwaukee's beer culture. He hopes beer lovers nationwide will enjoy the new release.
“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.”
There was one special request from Kato: he asked Riepenhoff to ship some of the beer, a variation on Untitled Art’s popular Cotton Candy IPA, to his studio in Tokyo.
Summary
Izumi Kato’s sculpture inspired the label for a Milwaukee brewery’s fundraiser IPA, blending art with local culture while reaching a global audience through this collaboration.