Tangerine Sumonmyoji’s Resonance: A Harmonious Ode to Onmyōdō’s Enigmatic Dance of Dualities is a monumental expression of Hiro Ando’s distinctive Neo-Pop universe. Created in 2017 as part of The Miniature Saga: A Playful Palette of Petite Marvels, this imposing sculpture transforms the iconic Sumonmyoji figure into a vibrant contemporary totem where Japanese mythology, popular culture, and philosophical symbolism converge.

Standing 130 cm high, the work is executed in painted and varnished resin reinforced by an internal steel structure. Its brilliant orange surface immediately captures attention, radiating vitality, optimism, and contemporary energy. While rooted in the visual language of traditional sumo culture, the sculpture transcends its origins through a playful reinterpretation that is both monumental and accessible.

The body of the figure is composed of countless miniature sculptural elements inspired by Ando’s Onmyōdō universe. These intricate details reward close observation and reveal a complex narrative structure embedded within the surface. Faces alternate between serenity and vigilance, harmony and confrontation, creating a visual rhythm that echoes the dualistic principles at the heart of Onmyōdō philosophy.

The sculpture explores the coexistence of opposing forces within a single identity. Strength and gentleness, protection and challenge, tradition and innovation are brought together in a unified sculptural form. Through repetition and accumulation, Ando creates an artwork that functions simultaneously as a monumental figure and a collection of miniature stories.

The glossy orange finish enhances the work’s visual impact while generating constantly changing reflections across the surface. As light moves around the sculpture, new details emerge, reinforcing the sensation of a living presence. This dynamic relationship between viewer, light, and object reflects Ando’s ongoing interest in perception and contemporary visual culture.

Founder of StudioCrazynoodles and one of the leading figures of Japanese Neo-Pop art, Hiro Ando continues here his exploration of cultural memory through accessible yet conceptually rich forms. The sculpture embodies his ability to merge humor, craftsmanship, mythology, and contemporary aesthetics into a coherent artistic language.

For collectors, Tangerine Sumonmyoji’s Resonance represents a major work within Ando’s sculptural production. Combining monumental scale, cultural depth, technical complexity, and strong visual presence, it stands as a powerful example of contemporary Japanese Neo-Pop sculpture.