Naoto Nakagawa’s exhibition at KAPOW features a compelling selection of recent acrylic paintings and intimate watercolors. The show places his latest artistic endeavors within the context of both the traditional Japanese shunga style of erotic art and his extensive six-decade exploration of perception, material culture, and the natural environment. Displayed at KAPOW on Manhattan’s Lower East Side until February 22, the exhibition includes pieces that reflect the central themes of Nakagawa’s career since the 1960s, particularly his ongoing juxtaposition of artificial objects with elements of nature.
Previously, Nakagawa’s work often explored the relationship between man-made and natural elements on a cosmic or metaphysical scale, viewing Earth as part of a vast, unknowable cosmos. In this exhibition, his focus shifts to a more localized and immediate perspective. New York City, with its streets and cityscapes, serves as the backdrop for his exploration of philosophical themes. One standout piece, “Canal Street” (2025), captures this shift. It depicts a lizard consuming a street crossing sign, a symbol of Manhattan’s commercial landscape, highlighting the interplay between urban life and his philosophical inquiries.
Nakagawa’s shunga-inspired works further blur the lines between desire, work, consumption, and everyday activities. His pieces, such as “Still Life With Wine Opener, Lemon, and Pomegranate” (2025), “Tom & Colgate” (2025), and “Pencil War” (2025), continue to explore the dynamic interactions between objects and human bodies. These artworks recall the still life and realist traditions of his earlier career, while bringing a new level of intimacy and spontaneity. Nakagawa’s art has been showcased in prominent institutions like MoMA, the Guggenheim Museum, and SFMOMA, and his creations are part of collections at MoMA, the 9/11 Memorial Museum, and the National Museums of Modern Art in Osaka and Kyoto. Additional details can be found at kapowgallery.com.
