Artist Naoto Nakagawa Showcases New Works at KAPOW Gallery
Renowned artist Naoto Nakagawa is currently displaying a collection of new acrylic paintings and intimate watercolors at the KAPOW gallery in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. The exhibition, open through February 22, offers a glimpse into Nakagawa’s six-decade exploration of perception, material culture, and the natural world.
Nakagawa’s latest works draw inspiration from the Japanese shunga tradition of erotic art, blending it with his signature exploration of the relationship between man-made objects and the organic world. Throughout his career, Nakagawa has delved into themes of desire, labor, consumption, and daily rituals, often depicting everyday objects in unexpected and thought-provoking ways.
One of the standout pieces in the exhibition is “Canal Street” (2025), where a lizard is depicted consuming a street crossing sign, symbolizing the intersection of nature and urban life in New York City. This juxtaposition of elements is a recurring theme in Nakagawa’s work, highlighting the interconnectedness of seemingly disparate elements.
The shunga paintings and watercolors on display, such as “Still Life With Wine Opener, Lemon, and Pomegranate” (2025) and “Tom & Colgate” (2025), showcase Nakagawa’s meticulous attention to detail and his ability to imbue everyday objects with a sense of mystery and allure. These works invite viewers to contemplate the significance of mundane items in our lives and the stories they may hold.
Having exhibited in major US museums such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Guggenheim Museum, Nakagawa’s work has garnered international acclaim. His pieces can be found in prestigious collections including MoMA, the 9/11 Memorial Museum, and the National Museums of Modern Art in Osaka and Kyoto.
For art enthusiasts looking to experience Nakagawa’s captivating creations firsthand, the KAPOW gallery is a must-visit destination. To learn more about the exhibition and Nakagawa’s work, visit kapowgallery.com.
