Kenji Nakayama at Woodward Gallery

Clouded Vision-Brooklyn Through a Lens, 2012 Spray paint with hand-cut stencil on hardboard (Triptych)48 x 120 inches; 121.9 x 304.8 cm

Concrete Jungle 5 (Copper), 2012; Copper leaf and spray paint stencil on wood28 x 42 inches; 71.2 x 106.7 cm

Shuttered Realty-Fading to White, 2012; Spray paint with hand-cut stencil on hardboard 60 x 96 inches; 152.4 x 243.8 cm

Announcing the first, New York solo exhibition by Japanese born and Boston-based Artist Kenji Nakayama. Simply entitled Kenji Nakayama, this must-see exhibition will be the most extensive presentation of his art to date, featuring photorealistic, hand-cut stencil, spray enamel, acrylic and mixed media paintings.

Nakayama’s dedication and work ethic is unprecedented and very well respected. A mechanical engineer by formal education, Kenji Nakayama made a significant and resolute life change in 2004 moving from his home in Hokkaido, Japan. Bringing his cultural heritage to the United States, Nakayama incorporates Japanese and American influences within traditional sign painting techniques.

Kenji became involved with street art to document and respond to his surrounding environment, and as a method to capture significant moments in his daily life. His elaborate process involves crafting original, hand-cut, multi-layer stencils which become one complete image when illuminated with colorful spray enamel. This deeply personal technique serves as a diary from start to finish. In the studio, each intricately cut stencil painting often takes months to complete combining hours of concentration with a spiritualistic and
meditative-like disposition.

Soon after Kenji’s arrival to the States, he met Director John Woodward and was challenged with the opportunity to paint the outdoor wall on their Project Space. This was followed by an invitation to exhibit another large scale installation in the Bank of America, SoHo. People were in awe of Kenji’s complex murals. The public continues to show great support by embracing this Artist for his quiet determination, skill and exciting new contribution to our culture.

Kenji Nakayama left his homeland driven to develop and master high levels of detail with an intense discipline in his art. Kenji describes, “My process is like dust. Each little grain and speck adds up, and soon becomes a mountain.”

Woodward Gallery welcomes Kenji Nakayama for an exhibition not to be missed.

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