Takeshi Nakayoshi

Artist Biography

Born and raised in Japan, artist Takeshi Nakayoshi relocated to California at the age of twenty. Since that time he has resided in California and traveled extensively throughout the American continent, returning often to Japan.

The content of his art, prints and posters has grown out of his profound sensibility to Zen Buddhism, Jazz and Mesoamerican culture. In the style of his compositions one perceives the influence of such artists as Diebenkorn and Motherwell, in his brushstroke a blend of gesture and calligraphy.

Nakayoshi builds paint in some areas and reduces it to delicate layers in others. He often introduces minimal elements of collage that serve as subtle points of exclamation. Nakayoshi has found in the Mesoamerican culture the impetus toward bold, rich color; and from his native land he brings an elegant touch and fine attention to detail. He thinks of his art, prints and posters as "improvisational poems connected to a structural theme,” and his theme is "the poetry of life.”

Takeshi Nakayoshi Art, Prints and Posters Collection