Satoru Kitago


	Satoru Kitago, a sculptor, was born on March 29, 1953. He studied figurative sculpture under SATO Churyo at Tokyo Zokei University, mastering the essence of standing human postures. At the Graduate School of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts, Kitago studied under FUNAKOSHI Yasutake and researched terracotta, focusing on the substantiality of materials. The sculpture he created to mark his completion of the postgraduate course was purchased by the University Art Museum. He received his first award at Shinseisaku Exhibition in 1978 (“New Artist Award”). He was honored with the same award also in 1979 and 1981. In 1981, his first solo exhibition was held at Miyuki-Gallery in Ginza, Tokyo. He has since held 15 experimental solo exhibitions. In 1990, he took part in a passenger ferry boat project, and the boat’s exterior design inspired by sculptural form and spatial concept won the Good Design Award. In 1991, Kitago was named Associate Professor at the Faculty of Education, Niigata University. In 1996, he studied at Accademia di belle arti di Brera (Brera Academy) in Milan, Italy, as an expatriate trainee of the Agency for Cultural Affairs of Japan. In 1997, he became Associate Professor in the Department of Sculpture, Faculty of Fine Arts, at the Tokyo University of Fine Arts. In 2000, at an international exhibition of computer-aided sculptures held in the United States with participation by art schools from around the world, the entry by Kitago’s team, a 3D work, received the Grand Prix. Kitago has received several awards: “Award of Excellence” at the East Japan Sculpture Exhibition in 2002; “Encouragement Prize” of the Constantin Brâncuş:i Award in 2003; Green Sculpture Prize from Kurayoshi City; and Nagano City’s Open-air Sculpture Award. Kitago has exhibited at the 5th Beijing International Art Biennale and many other international exhibitions. He is presently Professor and Director in charge of research at the Tokyo University of Fine Arts, where he pursues many activities on- and off-campus as a Cultural Promotion Committee member.

Satoru Kitago, a sculptor, was born on March 29, 1953. He studied figurative sculpture under SATO Churyo at Tokyo Zokei University, mastering the essence of standing human postures. At the Graduate School of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts, Kitago studied under FUNAKOSHI Yasutake and researched terracotta, focusing on the substantiality of materials. The sculpture he created to mark his completion of the postgraduate course was purchased by the University Art Museum. He received his first award at Shinseisaku Exhibition in 1978 (“New Artist Award”). He was honored with the same award also in 1979 and 1981. In 1981, his first solo exhibition was held at Miyuki-Gallery in Ginza, Tokyo. He has since held 15 experimental solo exhibitions. In 1990, he took part in a passenger ferry boat project, and the boat’s exterior design inspired by sculptural form and spatial concept won the Good Design Award. In 1991, Kitago was named Associate Professor at the Faculty of Education, Niigata University. In 1996, he studied at Accademia di belle arti di Brera (Brera Academy) in Milan, Italy, as an expatriate trainee of the Agency for Cultural Affairs of Japan. In 1997, he became Associate Professor in the Department of Sculpture, Faculty of Fine Arts, at the Tokyo University of Fine Arts. In 2000, at an international exhibition of computer-aided sculptures held in the United States with participation by art schools from around the world, the entry by Kitago’s team, a 3D work, received the Grand Prix. Kitago has received several awards: “Award of Excellence” at the East Japan Sculpture Exhibition in 2002; “Encouragement Prize” of the Constantin Brâncuş:i Award in 2003; Green Sculpture Prize from Kurayoshi City; and Nagano City’s Open-air Sculpture Award. Kitago has exhibited at the 5th Beijing International Art Biennale and many other international exhibitions. He is presently Professor and Director in charge of research at the Tokyo University of Fine Arts, where he pursues many activities on- and off-campus as a Cultural Promotion Committee member.