2022, edition of 8
resin fiberglass painted & varnished
23 3/5 × 11 4/5 × 11 4/5 in – 60 × 30 × 30 cm
The artwork is signed by the Artist , carved with edition number and date under the artwork
serie “Martial Felines Trilogy”
In the heart of Tokyo, where modernity meets tradition in a harmonious dance, the enigmatic artist Hiro Ando unveiled a trilogy of sculptures that captivated the art world’s imagination—the “Martial Felines Trilogy.” This series, comprised of the mesmerizing sculptures “Ninjacat,” “Shoguncat,” and “Kungfucat,” wove a tale of feline prowess and martial arts mastery.
In the crowded streets of Akihabara, where the hum of neon lights mingles with the echoes of ancient samurai legends, Hiro Ando found inspiration. His journey began with a fascination for the duality inherent in Japanese culture—the delicate artistry of the past colliding with the high-energy pulse of contemporary urban life. And so, the “Martial Felines Trilogy” was born.
The first sculpture, “Ninjacat,” emerged from the shadows, a sleek and silent sentinel of the night. With its sharp angles and stealthy posture, Ninjacat embodied the essence of a ninja warrior. Intricately carved from ebony-hued materials, the sculpture’s eyes gleamed with an otherworldly intensity, reflecting the cunning and agility of its namesake.
As the moon cast its glow over the city, “Shoguncat” stepped into the spotlight. Clad in ornate armor that mirrored the grandeur of ancient warriors, Shoguncat stood tall and proud. The fine details in the sculpture, from the meticulously crafted armor plates to the symbolic motifs, paid homage to the noble lineage of the samurai. Shoguncat’s presence commanded respect, a guardian of tradition in a rapidly evolving world.
The final piece, “Kungfucat,” brought a dynamic burst of energy to the trilogy. With a playful yet powerful stance, Kungfucat embodied the spirit of martial arts mastery. Its form exuded a sense of fluid motion frozen in time—a testament to the artist’s skill in capturing movement within the confines of sculpted stillness. Vibrant colors adorned Kungfucat, reflecting the dynamism of contemporary martial arts schools.
Collectively, the “Martial Felines Trilogy” spoke of Hiro Ando’s exploration of the intersection between Japan’s rich martial arts history and the pop culture vibrancy of the present. The sculptures became a visual narrative, each piece telling a chapter in the story of feline warriors navigating the complex tapestry of Japanese heritage and modernity.
Art critics hailed the trilogy for its innovative fusion of tradition and modernity, acknowledging Ando’s ability to transcend the conventional boundaries of both sculpture and storytelling. The “Martial Felines Trilogy” stood not just as a testament to Hiro Ando’s artistic prowess but also as a celebration of the enduring spirit of Japanese culture, where the echoes of samurai tales resonated in the sleek contours of Ninjacat, the resplendent armor of Shoguncat, and the dynamic poses of Kungfucat.
