Masayuki Nagare Japanese, 1923-2018

Masayuki Nagare believed that stones embody spirits. After selecting a stone, he allowed it to dictate the sculpture’s form, rather than imposing a form on an unyielding material. Given his religious background and spiritual beliefs, it is not surprising that Nagare’s first sculptures were inspired and based upon the Jizos, which are the Buddhist guardian deities of children. Later, his works reflected on the timelessness of life; he often created sculptures that, although abstract, are reminiscent of traditional Japanese forms. Nagare often created sculptures from granite, leaving part of the stone rough and untouched, while polishing other parts to a high finish. This method creates a peaceful equilibrium that nonetheless exudes energy.