Air Sumo

Artist: Irina Daylene

Stainless Steel Sculpture

45.5″ x 18″ x 13″

Air Sumo reimagines the traditional sumo wrestler with humor, vitality, and an unexpected athleticism. Cast in gleaming stainless steel, the figure soars upward, one arm extended to effortlessly dunk a basketball—a surprising fusion of cultural symbolism and contemporary pop energy. The wrestler’s powerful physique, typically associated with grounded stability, is here captured mid-flight, defying gravity and expectation alike.

The highly polished surface mirrors its surroundings, adding a dynamic, ever-changing dimension to the work. Beneath the playful concept lies a deeper message about transcending limits: strength need not be static; tradition can leap into new arenas.

Air Sumo brilliantly balances wit and craftsmanship, offering a celebration of agility, ambition, and the universal dream of flight. Perfect for collectors drawn to bold contemporary sculpture, athletic iconography, and pieces that infuse classical forms with modern irreverence.