Kengo NAKAMURA’s Contemporary Japanese-Style Painting

The exhibition "Kengo NAKAMURA’s Contemporary Japanese-Style Painting" celebrated its grand opening on the evening of Saturday, August 10th. Nakamura's work traverses a diverse landscape of themes, weaving together strands of POP culture, modern history, and philosophical reflection. His artistry is a rich tapestry, such as emojis commonly used in emails and social networks, traditional Japanese calligraphy, dialogue boxes from comic books and silhouettes of cartoon characters.

On the exhibition's first floor, the striking “Re:” series of works seems to engage in a dynamic dialogue, as if in a continuous exchange throughout the preparatory phase. The vacant space in the lower right corner of the work mirrors an ongoing conversation and hints at the anticipation of emerging new forms. Meanwhile, “Hiragana Painting” presents a reversal of visual and literary meanings, debating the contemporary reproduction of textual images or paintings. This piece invites viewers, regardless of their linguistic background, to engage in a personal dialogue through their own experiences.

On the second floor, The "Shinbun Itchi" series featured in this exhibition draws inspiration from the painting "○△□" by the Edo-period Zen master Sengai GIBON (1750-1837), as well as works like "Ego Mandala," which transforms pictograms and emoji symbols. Through changes in symbols and composition, the artist explores the Buddhist concept of "emptiness," resonating with Roland BARTHES' discussion on the concept of emptiness in Japanese culture. This exploration serves as an interpretation of the human "self" and its mental state. 

The third-floor welcomes visitors into the realm of the “Without Me” series, tenderly embracing both the differences and similarities among all people. Drawing inspiration from the silhouettes of unnamed characters in the works of manga artist Osamu TEZUKA, the artist transforms these gentle outlines into abstract forms. By layering multiple colors within these human-like patterns, the artist reflects the complex, multifaceted nature of societal life and romantically underscores the significance of every individual as a vital component of the greater whole.

Kengo NAKAMURA將大眾文化融入作品之中，以其獨特的藝術語言作為視覺媒介，2024.08.10 - 09.28邀您踏入屬於藝術家的「空」宇宙。

Kengo NAKAMURA weaves public culture into his creations, employing his distinctive artistic language as a visual medium. From 8/10 – 9/28, 2024, we sincerely invite you to immerse into the artist’s “empty” universe.