Japanese Artist Izumi Kato Collaborates on Beer Label Artwork
Sculpture Milwaukee Executive Director and Curator John Riepenhoff asked Japanese artist Izumi Kato for permission to use a close-up of his sculpture Untitled (2024) as the artwork for a beer can label. The sculpture had been on view near the Milwaukee Art Museum from June 2024 until October 2025, attracting over three million viewers.
Kato agreed to the request, and the colorful image now decorates the newly released Kato Candy IPA. This beer is brewed by Waunakee-based Untitled Art as a fundraiser for Sculpture Milwaukee.
“I’m very happy that my work has been seen by so many people. My art doesn’t contain social commentary, and my creativity is deeply personal,” Kato said. “Still, I always hope that my work is open to anyone, including those outside the art world. I want each viewer to interpret it in their own way.”
Kato expressed his honor to participate in the project, promoting Milwaukee’s beer culture through this collaboration. He hopes the beer will be widely enjoyed across the country.
“I’m honored to be part of this project, promoting the beer culture of Milwaukee as a collaborator. I hope people all over the country will enjoy this delicious beer.”
There was one additional request: Kato asked Riepenhoff to send some of the Kato Candy IPA to his studio in Tokyo. The beer itself is a variation of Untitled Art’s popular Cotton Candy IPA.
Summary
Izumi Kato's sculpture inspired the artwork for a Milwaukee fundraiser beer, blending personal creativity with local craft culture and reaching audiences nationwide.