Aiming to depict the "existence of life," artist ayaka nakamura creates works in which various colors and lines overlap each other.
The vivid colors and materials resonate with each other, creating a vitality that is so attractive that it makes the viewer stop and take a moment to be captivated.

In April 2023, nakamura talked about his concept in an interview with ART CLiP.
In this interview, he talks about his works and views on production, focusing on his solo exhibition"Like a star"scheduled to be held at 9s Gallery from December 1 (Fri.), 2012.


"Like a star", 2023, 65 x 91cm, ¥396,000 (tax included)

Depicting a miraculous moment created by a series of coincidences

-Nakamura's works are impressive for their many layers of lines and colors. What is the concept behind your work?

I aim to depict the "existence of life" from the scenery that we see without thinking.
At first, I painted the scenery itself, but gradually I came to want to express the energy of the various forms of life that make up the landscape itself.

For example, in my work, I often apply paint over and over again, and even if the paint is completely hidden once it is applied, the raised areas of paint remain on the canvas and continue to influence the layers that are layered on top of each other.
In the same way, I believe that landscapes are made up of a series of many small lives that influence each other.

Moreover, if any one of these lives is lost, the landscape changes instantly, and I want to convey the idea that each moment is a miraculous moment that comes only once.


" Calling wind", 2023, 61 x 90cm, ¥418,000 (tax included)

-Nakamura's works have a variety of textures and expressions that are so appealing that one cannot help but stop to look at them. It is as if you are looking at them intently.

I believe that the existence of a work of art is only possible when there is a "viewer," so I aim for an expression that makes the "viewer" feel that he or she is part of the life that weaves the landscape expressed in the work.

-Do you have a specific motif for the "landscapes" you depict?

I am inspired by the scenery and memories I encounter in my daily life and travels, but as I paint, I mix the past, the present, and the future, so there is no specific place in mind.
I believe that my work is a mirror of the viewer, and that looking at my work gives me a chance to get to know myself.
I do not limit myself to saying, "I am painting this," because I want my work to be connected to the memories and experiences of those who see it.

When I look at a work of art for the first time in a while, I don't remember what it was based on, but I feel that what I see and feel from the work at that time is important.
I want to create artwork that changes the way you look at it every time you see it, and that you can live with.


" Like a blue on that day", 2023, 25 x 25cm, ¥209,000 (tax included)

Dare to incorporate uncontrollable parts

-How long does it take to complete one of your works?

The number of layers differs greatly depending on the work, so it's hard to say, but it generally takes about a month. I start with 80% of the work and fine-tune the remaining 20% over the next few weeks. I need to build up my own tension in order to build up the initial momentum, so I sometimes take a break when I feel like I can't paint today.

-nakamura's works are also attractive for their variety of expressions, such as raised or blurred paint. What kind of tools do you use to create your works?

Basically, brushes, rollers, and palette knives. I also place the work on a flat surface and mix a lot of water and paint to create a watercolor-like blotchiness. Other times, I use a narrow bore tube to push the paint out, like squeezing cream out of a cake.


" Way maker", 2023, 48 x 62 cm, ¥286,000 (tax included)

In painting, I want to incorporate not only the expressions that I can control, but also those that I cannot control. Landscape" is formed by the accumulation of many coincidences. For this reason, I dare to leave accidental blotches and tube marks in my works.

Like a star," a solo exhibition to be held in December

-Like a star" will be held from December 1, and will feature 10 of your new works. Like a star" is also the title of your main work, right?

" Like a star"(part), 2023, 65 x 91cm, ¥396,000 (tax included)

Yes, " Like a star" was painted to capture the twinkling of stars in the clear winter sky, as the exhibition was to be held just before Christmas.
Also, "Calling wind" is one of the very first works I painted for this exhibition. I feel that I have found a new form of expression in both of them.


" Calling wind(detail), 2023, 61 x 90cm, ¥418,000 (tax included)

-What do you mean by "new expression"?

In the past, I used to paint over the entire surface of the canvas to create a thick layer of paint, but my personal problem was that the transparency of the colors was reduced.
However, with these two works, I was able to produce highly transparent colors in one shot and still retain brushstrokes.

Incidentally, I created the other works after "Like a star" and "Calling wind" so that they would be in balance with these two works.


" Sounds of Earth #", 2023, 48 x 62 cm, ¥275,000 (tax included)

-The work on view in this exhibition is also impressive for its shining gold color. How do you paint these metallic-like expressions?

It depends on the work, but I use various methods, such as applying gold paint as a surface or sprinkling gold powder on the surface.

-What kind of audience do you hope to reach with your new works?

December is the month of Christmas, but I think it is also a time to reflect on the end of the year and give thanks to those we love.

This time, I have created new works in a wide range of sizes, from 15 cm to 90 cm per side, so I would be happy if you could pick up one of my works as a gift for a loved one or for yourself.
I also hope that the work will convey hope for the new year to the viewer.


" Garden of the Heart ", 2023, 15 x 15 cm, ¥121,000 (tax included)

Solo exhibition "Like a star" to be held from 12/1 (Fri.) to 16 (Sat.)

9s Gallery is pleased to present a solo exhibition by ayaka nakamura, "Like a star" from Friday, 12/1/2023 to Saturday, 12/16/2023.

The works, composed of many elements interacting with each other, will remind viewers of the diversity of life in the world and how we, as tiny beings, are also a part of it. Please come and see "Like a star" and "Calling Wind," which were created especially for this exhibition, and other works scattered like stars.