Exhibitions
Ron Mueck, the sculptor who challenges the perception of humanity
The Mori Art Museum is dedicating a major exhibition to Ron Mueck (Melbourne, 1958), one of the most influential figurative sculptors in contemporary art. Renowned for his striking hyperrealistic representations of the human body, the Australian artist, based in the UK, has transformed the language of sculpture through his exceptional mastery of materials and his constant exploration of scale as a narrative tool.
Mueck's works stem from a meticulous observation of anatomy and everyday gestures, but transcend realism to delve into existential questions. His sculptures evoke universal emotions such as loneliness, fragility, anxiety, and resilience, inviting the viewer to confront their own life experiences. The result is pieces of intense physical presence that, despite their extraordinary level of detail, retain an ambiguity that fosters multiple interpretations.
The exhibition marks the artist's second solo show in Japan, following the retrospective organized in 2008 by the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa, and continues the close collaboration between Ron Mueck and the Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain. The project premiered in Paris in 2023 and, after showings in Milan and Seoul, has now arrived in Tokyo.
The exhibition brings together eleven sculptures that trace Mueck's creative evolution from his earliest works to his most recent pieces. Among them is Mass (2016-2017), a large-scale installation that has become one of the most emblematic works in his career. The selection also includes six works being exhibited for the first time in Japan, as well as the return of Angel (1997), one of his earliest and most representative creations, whose presence makes the exhibition an exceptional opportunity to rediscover the beginnings of his career.
Complementing the sculptures, the exhibition includes a selection of photographs and films by French photographer and filmmaker Gautier Deblonde, documenting the artist's working process in his studio. This material offers insight into the complex creative process behind works that combine technical precision, formal research, and a profound reflection on the human condition.
Curated by Kenichi Kondo, Charlie Clarke and Chiara Agradi, the exhibition offers a comprehensive view of Ron Mueck's career and confirms the enduring relevance of an artist who has redefined contemporary sculpture through a language capable of confronting the viewer with essential questions about the body, identity and existence.
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