Kakuzo Hatehata was born in Tokyo, as a son of a sculptor Taimu Tatehat. His father is the representing pre-war sculptor in Japan and also worked at Tokyo University of the Arts as the professor. Kazuo Hatehata was affected by his father and got an attention at an early age. 

While receiving high praise with traditional body expression with strong accuracy and verisimilitude, his expression in post-war works was changed after studying in Paris during 1953 to 1955. His work inspired by Hery Moore created humorous sculptures with a specific motif around him and developed exploration on movement in a geometric form made of plywood. 

Even though concept and material have been changed, witty expression with humanity is a common characteristic. He is recognized as the leader of abstract sculpture in Japan. 

In the exhibition, collection of Kazuo Hatahata's sculpture at the museum will be on view as well as drawings donated by family to access to his ideas for sculpture. Also works by the artists who contribute to Japanese abstract sculpture will be introduced. 

*image (left)
Kakuzo Hatehata
Alarm, 1972
courtesy of The Museum of Modern Art, Wakayama