At the youthful age of 28 he was selected to be a participating artist in the Venice Biennale（1982）. Having since taken part in documenta 8 (1987), documenta 9 (1992), Muenster Sculpture Project (1997) and international exhibitions, he has achieved high acclaim in Europe and around the world.
Today he is an important artist and indispensable presence within a growing trend in art to value the production process and participation in society and history.
Kawamata's work transcends the art context and extends to fields such as architecture and city planning, history, sociology, everyday communication, and even medical treatment.