Born in Osaka in 1965 and based in Kyoto, Kenji Yanobe is a leading figure in Japanese contemporary art, known for monumental sculptures and installations that merge pop culture with social critique. Since his debut in 1990, his practice has spanned sculpture, installation, film, and theatre, drawing inspiration from Expo ’70’s abandoned utopias and the cultural imagination of manga and tokusatsu. Iconic works such as Sun Child (2011) reflect his shift from survivalist anxieties toward messages of renewal and hope. Yanobe also serves as Professor at Kyoto University of the Arts, and as the Director of ‘Ultra Factory,’ fostering collaborative production and mentoring new generations of artists.