Japanese artist Manika Nagare gained international prominence after her "In Between" exhibition was featured in The New York Times in March 2021. In response to rising global interest, we were tasked with conceptualizing, editing, and creating her first art book, "Spectrum of Vivid Moments." This book aims to enhance public awareness of her work and further expand her global recognition as a Japanese female fine artist. It showcases her diverse body of work, which includes paintings, landscapes, fashion collaborations, and public art installations. Primarily published in English to cater to US and EU audiences, the book also provides content in Japanese.
Spectrum of Vivid Moments
Given the abstract nature of Nagare's work and the unique concepts of each installation, the challenge was to establish a clear, singular statement that would help global viewers understand and emotionally connect with her work. We discovered that the artist's distinctive concept resides in her innate ability to capture 'the invisible' elements within society and culture and express them using raw, vivid colors under natural light. By finding similarities in the current zeitgeist, we crafted a narrative that emotionally resonates with a global audience.
Illuminating Raw Colors, Hidden Ambiguities
Our crafted narrative emphasizes the importance of embracing the multifaceted beauty of life in Nagare's work. It reflects her unique aesthetic of 'ambiguity' deeply rooted in Japanese culture and language. The narrative offers a poignant reflection of the current global landscape, highlighting shared concerns such as societal divisions, urgent climate change issues, and the need for resilience in the face of unpredictability and uncertainty.
Embracing Complex Beauty
Despite the prevalence of online viewing, our book offers a sensory experience of Manika's vibrant colors, capturing the natural light in her photography. Through Japan's superior printing technology, readers can touch the intricate texture of Japanese-made paper and immerse themselves in the scent of ink. This book invites art enthusiasts to embrace their senses and find respite in their digitalized lives.
Sensory Chroma: Immersing in Manika's Colorful World
Although we conceptualized the overarching theme of her body of work and crafted a title solely for this book, the artist decided to use them for her solo exhibition at POLA Museum Annex in Tokyo in April 2022, Nariwa Art Museum in Okayama in November 2022, and Miyako Yoshinaga Gallery in New York in April 2023.
As international audiences well-received the concept and narrative, Manika gained numerous opportunities to present and sold her work to art investors and curators from the US and hosted the studio visit for art collectors from major art institutions in the US.
Artistic Journeys Unveiled
