Izumi Kato (born 1969. graduate of the Department of Oil Painting. Musashino Art University) is one of the most active artists in today's art scene. He is much-talked-about, from participating in the 2007 Venice Biennale exhibition to his recent successful completion of a large-scale solo exhibition at the Hakone Open Air Museum.

Kato's works are characterized by rugged wood carvings and colorations that depict coexistence of mankind and plants with sepia brushstrokes. While retaining the shape of a human, his incredibly unique expressions of variant life forms which can even be seen as a fetus or an alien—allow viewers to imagine a primitive form of life. It is plain to see that the root of Kato's ideas and what he wants to express (his concept) are consistent, even though the materials and techniques differ between his oil paintings and sculptures.

A limited edition hand-colored soft vinyl sculpture, created through close collaboration between the artist and the "Linden" figure production team, will be released to commemorate the publication of Kato's first monograph. These one-of-a-kind original pieces will come with the special edition of the monograph released in a limited edition of 120. The smooth surface of the small soft vinyl is filled with /zumi Kato's essence: it is grotesque, but somehow still very charming.

A collection of Kato's latest works, including small sculptures and drawings, will be exhibited at two venues, NADiff Gallery and Arataniurano, to celebrate the publication of his art collection book. The prototype and mold used in the production process of the soft vinyl sculptures will also be shown at NADiff.