Mari Katayama is the first winner of the Mori Art Prize in Japan.
Mari Katayama was awarded the grand prize in the inaugural Mori Art Award at a ceremony held on February 26 at the Roppongi Hills Club in Tokyo. The Mori Art Award is a biennial award aimed at recognizing mid-career artists based in Japan. Katayama received a monetary prize of ¥10 million along with the opportunity to host an exhibition at the prestigious Mori Art Museum, making it one of the most significant payouts for a single contemporary artist in Japan. This award exceeds the Tokyo Contemporary Art Award, which only provides ¥3 million to two artists.
The Mori Art Award is sponsored by the Mori Contemporary Art Foundation and was established in 2025 with the goal of supporting artists in gaining international recognition. The selection committee highlighted Katayama’s work as deserving of the award, stating that her art has the potential to transcend cultural and social boundaries and can be compared to that of international peers due to its powerful imagery and strong conceptual framework.
Katayama, 39, is known for her unique artistic approach, which involves working with analog photography and traditional handicraft techniques like embroidery and needlework. She creates intricate objects that she attaches to her body and captures in self-portraits. Through her art, she challenges conventional ideas about the human body, disability, gender, nature, beauty, and fashion. Born with tibial hemimelia, a condition affecting limb development, Katayama had both her legs amputated at the age of 9, resulting in a cleft hand. Her experiences have shaped her artistic vision, and she describes her practice as living every day within her own body, using it as a living sculpture, mannequin, and lens to reflect society.
With a focus on exploring themes of identity, body image, and societal norms, Katayama’s art invites viewers to question their perceptions and beliefs. Her use of personal experiences to create visually striking and thought-provoking work has garnered critical acclaim and recognition within the art world. The combination of photography and handicrafts in her practice adds depth and texture to her pieces, evoking a sense of intimacy and vulnerability.
By receiving the Mori Art Award, Katayama’s work is set to reach a broader audience and gain further international exposure. The award not only celebrates her artistic achievements but also serves as a platform for her to continue pushing boundaries and challenging conventions through her innovative and captivating creations. Mari Katayama’s unique artistic vision and bold storytelling have rightfully earned her a place among Japan’s most talented contemporary artists.