《The Earth 広島ー地》 1994 ˝Keiji Ito, Courtesy of Tomio Koyama Gallery　Photo by Katsuhiko Kodera

MtK Contemporary Art is pleased to present a solo exhibition by Keiji Ito, on view from August 30 (Sat) to September 27 (Sat), 2025.

Born in 1935 in Toki City, Gifu Prefecture, Keiji Ito works freely across a wide range of media including ceramics, oil painting, charcoal, installation, and collage. His practice fluidly traverses disciplines, unbound by conventional materials or techniques. After studying oil painting at Musashino Art School (now Musashino Art University), Ito joined the Gifu Prefectural Ceramic Research Institute, where his encounter with ceramic designer and Japanese craft movement leader Sakuzo Hineno left a profound impact on him. While he initially focused on two-dimensional design, Ito gradually felt a limitation in remaining apart from actual three-dimensional form, leading him to begin creating ceramics himself. He fully embraced the field of ceramic art, and from there developed a dynamic body of work that freely integrates sculpture, objects, and multiple media.

Ito’s multifaceted practice is deeply rooted in a contemplative gaze on spirit, daily life, and society—continually returning to the fundamental question: What does it mean to be human? He continues to live and work in his native Toki City, Gifu. Constantly evolving beyond the techniques and styles he has discovered, his ongoing pursuit of new modes of expression continues to serve as an inspiration and guiding force for many younger artists.

Ito is currently the subject of a major solo exhibition, Keiji Ito: Prayer / What Is to Come, at the Museum of Modern Ceramic Art, Gifu, as well as a solo show at kaufmann repetto in Milan. In addition, he is scheduled to simultaneously hold solo exhibitions this fall at both the Kyobashi and Roppongi spaces of Tomio Koyama Gallery in Tokyo, as well as at Kakiden Gallery. These exhibitions reflect his enduring vitality and expanding international presence.

While his work has already achieved wide acclaim, Ito has consistently avoided settling into comfort or convention. His ceaseless exploration of new creative territory has earned him strong support from audiences and collectors alike. His works are held in numerous public and private collections, including the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo; the National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto; the Honolulu Museum of Art; the Art Gallery of New South Wales; the Everson Museum of Art (USA); and the Marciano Art Foundation, among others.

This exhibition will feature new ceramic sculptures, collage works made of fabric and thread, and wall-mounted ceramic panels.

Keiji Ito
Born in 1935 in Toki City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan.

Recent exhibitions include:
Keiji Ito: Prayer / What Is to Come, Museum of Modern Ceramic Art, Gifu, Tajimi (2025);
humans and expression, kaufmann repetto milan, Milan, Italy (2025);
Seven Hands of Mino, Sogetsu Plaza, Tokyo (2025);
KEIJI ITO / SAM FALLS / ERIN FALLS / YUTAKA NOZAWA / YASUAKI HAMADA, GALERIE LULLA, California, USA (2025);
Keiji Ito and the Artists He Inspired, Rakusuitei Art Museum, Toyama (2023).