Onishi Gallery is proud to present a group show, Contemporary Metal Master Works, in which Living National Treasure Mamoru Nakagawa leads a group of Outstanding New Artists—Satoshi Hara, Tomoyo Hiraiwa, Kodo Murakami and Tensei Sakai.
Born in 1947 in Ishikawa Prefecture, Mamoru Nakagawa is one of the most respected Kaga inlay artists of his time. In 2004, the Japanese government designated Mamoru Nakagawa a “living national treasure” for his contributions to the preservation of Kaga inlay, an invaluable art form. Kaga inlay is renowned for its angled layers that allow inlayed metal designs to stay securely embedded in a base metal. Nakagawa derives inspiration for his designs from the beauty of natural landscapes and his extensive travels serve as research for his art, surfacing in each design. Nakagawa brings metal to life.
Mamoru Nakagawa’s work has been exhibited in the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art in Kanazawa as well as Jingu Museum in Ise. In 2008, his masterpiece “Sekisei” became a part of the permanent collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. He is active in the studio today and teaches at the Kanazawa College of Art.
Satoshi Hara, a metal artist, was born in 1962 in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture. A graduate of the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, he has been teaching at Kanazawa College of Art since 2003. His work has been exhibited at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa and at the National Museum of Denmark.
Born in 1948, jewelry and metal artist Tomoyo Hiraiwa has exhibited her work extensively in North America, Europe, and Australia, as well as in Japan and other Asian nations. Hiraiwa, who studied at Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, has earned a broad following in New York with her bold jewelry designs and with her exquisite craftsmanship. Her works are part of the permanent collection at The Museum of Arts and Design in New York.
Together, these five artists exemplify the highest artistic and cultural standards in Japan today.