Saeborg

• EXHIBITION

Photo: ZIGEN

Born in Toyama Prefecture in 1981, Saeborg graduated from Joshibi University of Art and Design in 2006, majoring in Western painting. In her art performances, she uses handmade inflatable latex suits to portray livestock, insects, and other characters, and engages the audience in the act. Although playing a given role in a giant toy-like farm setting may appear joyous, the livestock and farm serve as metaphors for a human society where one’s life and gender are strictly controlled. They also offer a vitriolic criticism of gender, caregiving, reproduction, and consumption of life. The use of extremely delicate and easily spoiled latex materials requires “care” both during and after production. The concept of care and management necessary for keeping the work physically “alive” lies at the core of all her creative expressions.
Her activities include performances at DARK MOFO 2019 (Avalon Theatre, Australia, 2019) and Aichi Triennale 2019: Taming Y/Our Passion (Aichi Arts Center, Aichi Prefecture, 2019), the solo exhibition Saeborg Enchanted Animals (Kurobe City Art Museum, Toyama Prefecture, 2024), and group exhibitions at the 6th Athens Biennale: ANTI (Banakeios Library, Greece, 2018), and Reborn Art Festival 2021-22 (Momonoura, Miyagi Prefecture, 2021). Awards include the Tokyo Contemporary Art Award 2022-2024 and the 17th Taro Okamoto Award for Contemporary Art, Toshiko Okamoto Prize (2014).

EXHIBITION

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