In paintings that appear naïve and folkloric, yet bear a deep psychological weight, Berlin-based, Japanese artist Shota Nakamura places his isolated subjects in dream-like landscapes. At times, evidence of the manmade world appears, seen here in the wall that separates the figure from the natural setting behind them. Nakamura’s expressive color palette and the figure’s barely-there face imbue the whole scene with an emotional, rather than naturalistic, sensibility, as if the surroundings reflect the figure’s inner world. Nakamura has shown his work in solo and group exhibitions at venues such as C L E A R I N G, New York; Peres Projects, Berlin; Ilwoo Space, Seoul; Open forum, Berlin; Löwen Haus, Gerswalde; Morioka Shoten, Tokyo; Mendes Wood DM, Sao Paulo; Jack Hanley Gallery, New York; and Belsunce Projects, Marseille.
Shota Nakamura
UNTITLED
2023
oil on canvas
11 7/8 x 13 7/8 inches