Yuko Mohri, the fast-rising Japanese sculptor known for her intricate assemblages of fruit and found objects, has been awarded the Calder Prize, per artnews.com. Bestowed by the Calder Foundation, the accolade includes a $50,000 grant and a residency at the Atelier Calder in Saché, France.
Mohri’s international profile has surged following her highly acclaimed presentation at the 2024 Venice Biennale. Her “maximalist” practice involves complex installations crafted from furniture, wiring, pipes, and musical instruments, often incorporating sound and kinetic elements.
Alexander S. C. Rower, President of the Calder Foundation, praised the artist’s ability to engage with invisible forces. “Yuko’s work is at once enigmatic and inviting,” Rower stated. “She successfully draws viewers into experiences influenced by time, space, and unseen forces such as gravity and light.”
The award comes amidst a packed international schedule for the Tokyo-based artist. Following a major career survey at the Pirelli HangarBicocca in Milan last year, her work is set for a busy 2026.
By bridging the gap between everyday objects and philosophical inquiries into energy and decay, Mohri has solidified her position as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary sculpture.
•Featured image: Yuko Mohri/Lorenzo Palmi
