ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Kenzi Shiokava's first solo museum retrospective spans 50 years of sculpture

exhibition · 2026-06-29

Kenzi Shiokava's inaugural solo exhibition at a museum showcases more than 50 sculptures spanning from the 1970s to the 2010s, marking his 50-year artistic journey. The exhibition is centered around two primary collections: abstract totems and assemblages. Shiokava's work emphasizes the recovery and transformation of discarded materials, including action figures, telephone poles, and driftwood, sourced from thrift shops, streets, and beaches. His studio, a spacious warehouse located in Compton, serves as a living artwork filled with objects awaiting new life. Through his techniques of carving and arranging, Shiokava highlights the 'inner movement' of ordinary items, showcasing their inherent spiritual essence.

Key facts

  • Kenzi Shiokava's first solo museum exhibition
  • Over 50 sculptures from the 1970s to the 2010s
  • Two core bodies of work: abstract totems and assemblages
  • Practice focuses on recovery and transformation of castoff materials
  • Materials include action figures, telephone poles, driftwood
  • Studio is a cavernous warehouse in Compton
  • Artist describes revealing 'inner movement' of objects
  • Exhibition celebrates a 50-year career

Entities

Artists

  • Kenzi Shiokava

Locations

  • Compton

Sources