7 o'clock NY
Nakagawa Mamoru 中川衛 Japanese
Not on view
Based in Kanazawa, Nakagawa studied the local Kaga inlay technique (originally developed in the seventeenth century) starting in 1974, under the well-known metal artist Takahashi Kaishū (1905–2004). In 2004 Nakagawa was recognized as a Living National Treasure for his mastery of chiseling (chōkin) and metal inlay (zōgan). Over the years he has revitalized and modernized the traditions of the art form. He uses numerous metal types and alloys to create a vibrant, dynamic surface through precisely cut and inlayed segments.
The present work was inspired by the skyscrapers and city lights of New York. The front represents the cityscape at 7 a.m., while the back shows the same view at 7 p.m.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.