Kenji Yanobe
Born in Osaka in 1965. Since the early 1990s, he has created large-scale functional mechanical sculptures centered on the theme of "Survival in Modern Society." His works, which infuse humorous forms with sharp social messages, have garnered high acclaim both in Japan and internationally. Since 2008, he has served as a professor at Kyoto University of the Arts and director of ULTRA FACTORY.
In 2017, he launched the "SHIP’S CAT" series, featuring a traveling guardian deity inspired by seafaring cats. In recent years, he has gained significant attention for his narrative of "Cosmic Cats" watching over the "Journey of Life." Notable works include the symbol of the Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka, SHIP’S CAT (Muse) (2021), and the installation BIG CAT BANG (2024) in the atrium of GINZA SIX. He continues to expand his practice through public art and a wide range of collaborative works.