While Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan explores the future in shapes including humanoid robots, a cultural centre on the other side of Osaka Bay is exhibiting another kind of human form – hyperrealistic sculptures of the body.
‘Reshaped Reality: 50 Years of Hyperrealistic Sculpture’ is a highly acclaimed travelling exhibition currently on show at the architecturally striking Osaka Culturarium, Tempozan (designed by Osaka-born starchitect Tadao Ando) until October 13.
It features 39 hyperrealistic human sculptures by 27 world-renowned artists. This is the exhibition’s first showing in Japan, held as part of the Study: Osaka Kansai International Art Festival 2025, and follows successful runs in Spain and the Netherlands.
The sculptures on show are uncannily lifelike; at times unnerving, yet deeply captivating. The human forms they portray may appear distorted or transformed, but are still startlingly realistic. They are awe-inspiring, yet they also prompt us to reflect on our own humanity, which is the exhibition’s main intention.
Some of the standout works include ‘Untitled (Man in a sheet)’ by the UK-based Ron Mueck, ‘Woman and Child’ by Australian artist Sam Jinks, and ‘Ave Maria’ by Maurizio Cattelan, the Italian artist best known for his viral banana-taped-to-a-wall installation at 2019 Art Basel Miami Beach.
With such a diverse array of works, you’ll want to catch one of the guided weekend tours led by Atsuhito Miyake, the exhibition’s coordinator. These hour-long walkthroughs offer insights into the historical context and artistic intentions behind the works.
Tours start at 2pm and are free with an exhibition ticket. As space is limited to 20 participants, be sure to arrive by 1.45pm to register. Upcoming tour dates are July 20, 21, 22, 23; August 10, 11, 23; September 6; and October 11, 12.
We’re hoping this exhibition offers more meaningful answers to the question ‘What does it mean to be human?’ than the series finale of Squid Game...
For more information, see the exhibition website.
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