Mia Announces “Catch of the Day” Exhibit and Naming Contest
Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 4:49PM
Imai Sadamasa, Napoleon Fish, 2023, glazed stoneware
The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) invites visitors to dive into "Catch of the Day," an immersive exhibit celebrating the profound relationship between Japanese culture and the sea. Open from October 12, 2024 through May 25, 2025, this exhibit blends art, tradition, and modern interactive elements, offering a unique experience for all ages.
At the heart of the exhibition is a breathtaking fish sculpture by Imai Sadamasa, a rising star in the world of contemporary ceramics. Mia curators first discovered Sadamasa’s extraordinary work during Asia Week in New York, where his piece captivated them. Hailing from a multigenerational family of ceramicists, Sadamasa’s craftsmanship is unparalleled. His featured sculpture, the exhibit’s centerpiece, underwent an intricate process of nine kiln firings, with multiple layers of paint and glaze, producing a mesmerizing, delicate finish.
"Just like Minnesotans, the Japanese also love fish,” added Mai Yamaguchi, PhD, Andrew W. Mellon Assistant Curator of Japanese and Korean Art at Mia. “This exhibition is about how people relate to nature— in this case, the ocean—and the ways artists have represented that relationship."
What’s in a name?
In an interactive twist, Mia invites visitors to help name Sadamasa’s stunning fish sculpture. From October 10-31, a naming contest will be hosted via Instagram, Facebook, and in-person at Mia through a QR code. The artist will personally choose the winning name, which will be announced on social media. The lucky winner will receive a custom plush replica of the sculpture. Unique enamel pins featuring Sadamasa’s fish will be available to in-person participants.
"Mia has a proud tradition of introducing up-and-coming artists to the Midwest, and this exhibit is no exception," said Katie Luber, Nivin & Duncan MacMillan Director & President at Mia. "We are excited to see the creativity of our visitors through their name submissions and look forward to making the winning name a part of our permanent collection."
“Catch of the Day” merges art, culture, and community participation. It is also featured in our Family Day programming in November, where kids can create fish-themed artwork (and use textured plates to give it scales) alongside Mia's teaching artists.
