Kyoji Nagatani: Japanese contemporary sculptor
Discover the poetic and monumental universe of Kyoji Nagatani, a Japanese sculptor whose work brings together dream, poetry, and philosophical reflection. Born in Tokyo in 1950, Nagatani studied at the Tokyo University of the Arts and at the Advanced Research Institute of the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts, specializing in bronze casting in 1976.
His deep connection with Italy began in 1978, when he moved to Milan to attend the Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera. Returning to Italy in 1981 thanks to a scholarship from the Italian Government, he graduated in 1984 under the guidance of sculptors Enrico Manfrini and Alik Cavaliere. From that moment on, his works gained international recognition and became part of numerous private collections worldwide.
The art of Kyoji Nagatani
The art of Kyoji Nagatani is defined by a strong symbolic tension and by sensual, monumental compositions that unite matter and thought. His sculptures are not merely objects, but spaces for contemplation, offering opportunities for aesthetic and critical reflection.
Wind, Time, Column, Door, Chair, Earth, and Silence recur as key words, rhythmically shaping the titles and meanings of his works. The artist approaches the vision of things from both a physical and a philosophical perspective, transforming sculpture into a bridge between the visible and the invisible.
Monumental works and award
Dividing his time between Italy and Japan, Nagatani has created significant monumental public artworks. In Japan, notable works include: the Monument for the Hachioji Civic Theatre (Tokyo); Chair of the Wind for the Utsukushigahara Open Air Museum (Nagano); Gate of the Wind for the Hakone Open-Air Museum of Sculpture;three monuments for the Public Gardens of Yoshikawa City (Saitama)
In Italy, among his most important works are: The Seed (2012), Scuola Edile di Bergamo, Seriate (BG); Time Traveler (2008), Voghera Airport; Throne of Silence (1998), Piazza Don Civilini, Pioltello (MI); the monumental Gate of Memory (2009), Chiesa in Valmalenco, Sondrio
In 2000, the year of the Jubilee, he was commissioned to create the Casket designed to hold the keys of the Holy Door of the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome. In 2009, he received the Arts Prize – Sculpture Section from the Circolo della Stampa di Milan – Indro Montanelli Cultural Association.
In 2017, he was the focus of a solo exhibition at PUNTO SULL’ARTE, titled Seeds of Time.
Who is Kyoji Nagatani
The artist lives and works between Italy and Japan, pursuing an artistic practice that crosses cultures, materials, and visions, and that makes monumental sculpture a powerful medium for dialogue between space, time, and thought.
