Artist. Born in Gifu Prefecture in 1958. Completed the master’s course at Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music. As a university student, he presented a work made of cardboard, which became very popular. Besides giving many solo and group exhibitions, he has been active in other fields including performing arts and public art. Recently, he is more active in giving workshops featuring participation of the public and local distinctive characteristics. Katsuhiko Hibino won the 3rd Japan Graphic Exhibition grand prize in 1982, the 30th ADC best award and the 1st JACA Exhibition grand prize in 1983. He participated in the Venice Biennale in 1995, and won the Mainichi Design grand prize in 1999. He set up “the cultural programs department of the Day-after-tomorrow Newspaper Office” at Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial 2003. He is still working on this project. In 2005, he took part in “Expo 2005 – Aichi, Japan,” held his exhibition “Hibino Expo 2005” at Art Tower Mito, and in February, he published a photo book “Yesterday Today Tomorrow” (Little More), following the process of his work at Hibino Expo from the stage of preparation. From April 29 to July 9, he holds his exhibition “Kaku-kaku-shikajika (depict and write such and such)” at the treasure repository of Temman Shrine at Dazaifu, Fukuoka Prefecture. In addition, from June 9 to July 9, he will give an exhibition on the theme of the “World Cup” at the Kyushu National Museum. Thinking about team Japan as representing Asia, Hibino challenges the fusion of football and art.
-Do you often take photographs yourself?
I always have my camera with me. Since going digital, the number of pictures I take has increased.
-As this is the first year you are judging New Cosmos of Photography, what are you hoping to see?
Pieces that have an impact on me - though I can’t define what that is. Whether a photograph or a photographer has an affinity with me isn’t what determines a photograph’s value.
-Do you have any advice to give people submitting pieces about what you like and don’t like?
People who submit pieces with that in mind won’t be able to stay at it for very long so there’s really no point in talking about it.
-What do you think about recent trends in fine art photography?
Because the equipment used to create photos is changing so drastically we’re also in a period when the approach to making photos is changing as well. We need to understand what direction these approaches are taking and not reject them out of hand.
-Who are your favorite photographers and who has captured your attention recently?
Yuji Takeuchi*
-Please tell us about some of the projects with which you’re currently involved
Besides the Asia Daihyo Nihon exhibition at the Kyushu National Museum, I’m involved in the Asatte Shimbunsha, Ototoi Terebikyoku (The day after tomorrow Newspaper, the day before yesterday TV) project of the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial, which uses an abandoned elementary school in the mountains as the exhibition site. And upcoming a project will take place in my hometown at the Museum of Fine Arts Gifu called Hibino DNA and..., which incorporates town history in the present.
-Are there any personal things of interest that you’d like to tell us about?
FIFA World Cup Germany™ 2006. Challenging FC Gifu in today’s Tokai League. Growing morning glories. Boat building.
*Yuji Takeuchi
Since 2000, studied under Homma Takashi, and became independent in 2002. Released Yesterday Today Tomorrow a photo documentary covering the six-month period from the initial building stage through the conclusion of HIBINO EXPO 2005 - Katsuhiko Hibino’s One-man Exposition held last year at Art Tower Mito.
