Nana Shimomura is one of ArtConnect’s Artists to Watch '22

“Our ancestors saw the star-filled sky as a flat canvas and connected the dots to create constellations. These exist above our heads and are accessible to everyone, anywhere.”

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Nana believes that constellations are the result of our purest form of creative expression. She strives to express what lies at the root of our universal impulse — the impulse that compelled our ancestors to connect the stars — by marrying the past, present and future. Calligraphy is not just a traditional cultural expression. It is a relic from the past, born from our impulse to express through “writing” — in Japanese, called “kaku.” The word “kaku (writing)” is homophonous to the words “drawing” and “scraping.” Shimomura believes that the act of “kaku” as well as music and dancing is our purest form of creativity born from our ancient impulses.

ArtConnect asked the winning artists to share with us a glimpse into their creative life to get a sense of their personal inspiration and artistic process.

How did you get started as an artist?

Calligraphy, painting, and music have been closest to me since an early age. While studying design at the Tokyo University of the Arts, I learned about Benjamin's thoughts about constellations and began to consider calligraphy and art. Since then, I have been creating works as an artist.

How would you describe your artistic approach?

In the theme of my work production, I have taken the constellations that exist equally in the night sky as one of the important themes. Linking them to the fundamental perceptions of human beings and continuing to explore new forms of expression using calligraphy.
I have been studying traditional techniques and using visual expression and digital devices. This is a practice of thinking that connects the past and present, like the origins of constellations.
I lectured at the Tokyo University of the Arts on cutting-edge technologies on digital equipment. I am exploring new expressions of calligraphy with the collaboration of contemporary media. This attitude also reflects in the wide range of her relationships with specialists in other areas including musicians, poets and architects.

And how about what inspires you?

It is a "relic." I believe that the roots of humanity before the establishment of culture are common to the world. This is an opportunity to acknowledge all differences, which leads to the sharing of diversity that is being voiced everywhere today.
There is a difference in the structure of language, with the alphabet being phonetic and Chinese characters being ideographic. When I read Helen Keller's description of the thoughts surrounding the syllable "th" in the literature, I learned that there are ideographic thoughts from the Chinese character sphere in the English language. I believe that at the root of linguistic structure is the universal perception of humanity before language was born, and this can be found through the deconstruction of calligraphy.

What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an artist?

Preconceived notions regarding Japanese calligraphy embedded in the everyday life of Japanese people.

My long-term goal is to establish an artistic expression that has multiple dimensions of time and is not limited by region or culture. I do not have a clear name yet.

Describe a typical day in the studio/wherever you make your work.

I work in a studio in a former Sumo stable in Tokyo, Japan. 6 years ago, I took the initiative in transforming a derelict building into a studio and gallery space. It is now a wonderful studio where architects, sculptors, painters, and filmmakers gather.

I will be leaving Japan soon and am looking for a new studio in Barcelona.

Is there a medium, a process, or a technique that you haven't used in your work yet but would like to try out?

Yes, I am ready to actively incorporate any media and process. For example, Fresco, ethnic instruments, Large Hadron Collider, etc.
To effectively incorporate those media, it is of utmost importance to do more research on your interests and connect with experts in the field.
I would like to devote myself to research and change my way of thinking by deepening my understanding of "perception," "space-time," music, cultural anthropology, astronomy, and art movements.
I also hope to deepen my knowledge of time by studying relativity and working with physicists and mathematicians.

What are you currently working on? Or an upcoming project you want to mention?

I have received a grant from the POLA Art Foundation of the Japanese company, to stay in Barcelona, Spain for a year starting this summer.
I plan to collaborate with musicians and learn about cave murals and art history. This is my first time in Europe and I am very excited.

How does it feel to be selected as an ArtConnect Artist to Watch?

I am very happy. I have always wanted to communicate with more people from around the world, and I am so grateful for this opportunity.

Anything else you want to add?

I plan to make many works in Spain, and I will also bring some works I made in Japan. I hope to have the opportunity to exhibit.

See more of Nana’s work

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