Calligrapher of the moment: Nishigaki Kazukawa
- Kei Nakayama
- Apr 3
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 13
We visited the studio of Issen Nishigaki, a Kyoto artist who is currently attracting attention from around the world.
The art goes beyond calligraphy and overwhelms the viewer with its dynamic expression.
Kazukawa's five-line poem was hidden inside.
We visited Kazukawa's home and studio together with a New York gallery owner and a painter.
Photo by Kei Nakayama
Issen Nishigaki
Instagram @issennishigaki
Calligrapher, Five Elements Poet
In addition to numerous exhibitions in Japan, he has also held exhibitions overseas, including in Spain (Barcelona, Ibiza), Germany, Austria (Vienna), Taiwan, and France.
He is the author of Ichikawa Gogyo Tanka Anthology "Touri" and others. He is the head of Mizukuki Calligraphy Association Gogyo Ka Rakuo Salon and has done many logo designs and bookbindings.
Started calligraphy at age 6
1979: Studied under calligrapher Takada Mugen
1992: Founder of Mizukuki Calligraphy Association in Fukuoka City
1995 Fukuoka City Kyushu Gogyo Kakai representative ink elephant production
2002: Private edition of Gogyo-ka anthology "Shining Ink" and "Touri" published by Ichii-sha
2012 Moved to Kyoto City and continued to run Mizukuki Calligraphy Association
2019: Representative of Gogyo Ka Rakuo Salon
2019: Started creating contemporary calligraphy art
Participating in art shodo festa (art shodo contemporary) in 2021
2022 Kyoto Imoto Antique Art Gallery, Paris Anthologie
2023 Kyoto Kondaya Genbei Kurokura Solo Exhibition
2024 Kyoto Nanohana: Genbei Kurokura Komada, Takasago City Gallery Collection Solo Exhibition
Over 3,000 poems about love, nature, and ink
"Five Elements Poems" scattered throughout the work
A hanging scroll with beautiful and modern artistic calligraphy
Gallery Kyoto Teramachi Nanohana says that 80% of its customers are from overseas. As soon as they enter the gallery, customers rush up to the hanging scrolls and stare at them. Apparently, customers come to the gallery from China, Singapore, and even as far away as the United States and Russia to buy Ichikawa's works.
"It looks like there's something written here, but what is it?"
Many people are interested in Ichikawa's five-line poems that are scattered throughout his works, but Ichikawa answers with a lovely smile that he doesn't remember all of the poems because he creates his works based on the inspiration he gets at the time, revealing his very charming personality.
Looking forward to future exhibitions
Kazukawa's calligraphy is starting to attract attention from around the world.
A special exhibition is planned for September in Spain, and it is likely to be held in other countries in the future.
I plan to feature her work regularly in my magazine, so stay tuned for more.
