Mari Katayama: The Body as Canvas

For Mari Katayama, control over her own image is a fundamental requirement. The artist establishes a clear rule for her creative process. She insists that she is always the one to press the shutter. This act is crucial to her artistic integrity. If another person were to take the photograph, that person would become the author of the scene. Katayama's work involves complex, abigarradas puestas en escena (highly detailed staged scenes). In these scenes, she treats her body as a living sculpture. The act of taking the photo herself ensures that the final image remains her own expression. This practice is rooted in a deep concern for existence and representation. As the artist states, "Es fácil privar a alguien de su existencia" (It is easy to deprive someone of their existence). By controlling the lens, she maintains authority over her own presence and narrative.

Katayama's visual language is built from a unique combination of organic and manufactured elements. She utilizes materials found in daily life. These are paired with natural elements to compose the objects in her work. Every piece is handled with great care. Items are meticulously sewn or embroidered. They are often incrusted with various textures. The artist incorporates:

• Lace
• Glass crystals
• Hair
• Shells

These materials are integrated alongside her handmade prosthesis. Together, these components form the basis of her impactantes autorretratos (impactful self-portraits). This careful assembly of objects has been central to her rise to worldwide fame. The combination of the soft, organic materials with the structure of her prosthetics creates a distinct visual tension. It highlights the intersection of the body and the external world.

The recent publication Synthesis Mari Katayama serves as a comprehensive record of her recent output. Released by SPBH Editions and MACK, the book focuses on a specific period of her career. It gathers work produced over a span of six years. The publication is 96 pages in length. It presents the compositions for which she has become known. These images feature her body and the use of daily materials. The goal of the work is to create images that invite reflection. The book explores the concept of the gaze. It examines both the artist's own gaze and the gaze of the viewer. By compiling these works, the publication offers a deep look into her artistic practice. It documents her evolution as an artist who uses her physical form as the primary medium.

The work of Mari Katayama challenges traditional views of the body and art. By using her own body as a canvas, she blurs the line between sculpture and photography. Her use of handmade prostheses and everyday objects transforms personal experience into universal art. The publication Synthesis Mari Katayama confirms her status as a significant contemporary artist. Her method of staging her own reality allows her to express vulnerability while maintaining strength. The images compel the audience to consider how they view others. They also question how we view ourselves. Through this careful construction of self-portraiture, Katayama offers a powerful commentary on existence and visibility. Her work continues to resonate with audiences globally, solidifying her place in the art world.