Japanese Artist Kenjo Endo’s Cosmic Art Debuts in Cozumel

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — The Fundación de Parques y Museos de Cozumel (FPMC) unveiled the exhibition “Relato del País de la Luz” by Japanese artist Kenji Endo on Friday evening at the Museo de la Isla. The showcase features 14 large-format photographs and a sculpture inspired by Cozumel’s marine life, blending futuristic and space exploration themes.

A Fusion of Cosmic Vision and Local Inspiration

The sculptural exhibition “Relato del País de la Luz” reflects Endo’s fascination with the cosmos and space exploration, rooted in his childhood during the Cold War and the space race. Influenced by manga, anime, and cultural touchstones like Star Wars and Gundam, his work explores themes of space migration, human evolution, and hope in the universe. The artist employs blue light as a symbolic motif, drawing inspiration from Yuri Gagarin’s observation: “The Earth was blue.”

FPMC Director General Juanita Alonso Marrufo led the inauguration, expressing gratitude for Endo’s choice to debut his work at the Museo de la Isla. “This exhibition offers our community and visitors exposure to innovative artistic currents and techniques, which can inspire local talent,” she remarked.

Kenji Endo addressed attendees in Spanish, sharing his enthusiasm for presenting his latest installation in Cozumel. The piece, crafted in a local welding workshop, merges the island’s underwater beauty with a futuristic narrative he calls “Relato del País de la Luz.”

A Collaborative Celebration

Alonso presented Endo with a recognition award during the event, attended by Toru Oono, Director of the Japan Foundation in Mexico; Isela Carrillo Cupul, head of the museum; FPMC advisors Ana López and Alejandro Queb Franco; and museographer Satoko Kitamura.

The Museo de la Isla welcomed a diverse audience drawn to Endo’s international acclaim. The artist, who trained in Paris and France, has lived and created across Germany, Ireland, the U.S., Spain, and Mexico—where this marks only his second exhibition, and his first in Cozumel.

The FPMC reaffirmed its commitment to fostering accessible cultural experiences, aligning with Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa’s “New Agreement for Wellbeing and Development,” which promotes inclusive spaces for community engagement and learning.