Born in Japan, Mami Kataoka established her career as a curator and writer, eventually rising to become the director of the Mori Art Museum in Tokyo. Her professional trajectory has been defined by her commitment to bridging contemporary art practices across Asia and the global art community.

Kataoka is known for her expertise in institutional management and curatorial strategy, frequently contributing to the development of large-scale exhibitions and international art platforms. Her work often focuses on the intersection of regional artistic developments and global discourse.

In recent years, Kataoka has continued to shape the international art landscape through her involvement in major events, including her appointment to lead the curatorial team for the Encounters sector at Art Basel Hong Kong in 2026.