Takemi Nishimoto "Neologism 23171 - 23199"
Tezukayama Gallery
Until Apr 19
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Artists
Takemi Nishimoto
TEZUKAYAMA GALLERY is pleased to present “NEOLOGISM 23171-23199”, a solo exhibition by Takemi Nishimoto.
After completing his masters at the University of Tsukuba in 1988, Nishimoto began his career as an artist while also making significant contributions as an educator in the fields of art and design. At Meisei University, where he serves as a professor, he was involved in establishing the Faculty of Design and continues to nurture future talents with a multidisciplinary perspective.
Since his first solo exhibition, “NEOLOGISM,” in 1989, Nishimoto has consistently created works of exceptional form that invite viewers into a world of philosophical contemplation. The term “NEOLOGISM” refers to the “new interpretation of dogma” or “the creation of new words that may provoke bewilderment”. In the field of psychiatry, it also describes the “neologism” phenomenon observed in patients with schizophrenia. Nishimoto has stated, “This absurd act is strikingly close to the artistic impulse,” and this concept of absurdity remains a consistent theme in his work.
The interpretation of absurdity varies across eras, but in philosophy, it is generally defined as the contradiction between “humanity’s effort to pursuit meaning and purpose” and “the universe’s cold, unwavering indifference to such efforts.” French writer Albert Camus (1913–1960), whose works Nishimoto has resonated with since high school, is well known for his exploration of this theme. However, Camus’ philosophy of the absurd asserts that rather than lamenting the lack of inherent meaning in the world, one must confront this reality and rebel against it to find human value.
Nishimoto deeply empathizes with this perspective. He does not mourn the absence of meaning in the world but rather perceives this state as the fundamental truth and natural order of existence. For him, observing and fully embracing this reality is of utmost importance. This relentless pursuit drives his artistic practice, resulting in works that, while intellectually challenging, captivate viewers and transcend language with their profound allure.
In his first solo exhibition at TEZUKAYAMA GALLERY in 2021, Nishimoto presented his large-scale sculpture “The Distance 21497 (*1)”. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the world was faced with an unprecedented crisis that highlighted the fragility of human connections and forced a reevaluation of physical and emotional distances. Through this work, Nishimoto not only sought to materialize the pervasive sense of stagnation that engulfed society but also incorporated metaphors of a chrysalis—a transitional phase leading to a post-pandemic era—or an ark guiding humanity toward a new societal paradigm.
After nearly four years, Nishimoto makes his return to TEZUKAYAMA GALLERY, presenting his latest works such as “Caligula (*2)” , “Cathedral (*3)”, and “Audience (*4)”. We warmly welcome you to explore this remarkable exhibition.
After completing his masters at the University of Tsukuba in 1988, Nishimoto began his career as an artist while also making significant contributions as an educator in the fields of art and design. At Meisei University, where he serves as a professor, he was involved in establishing the Faculty of Design and continues to nurture future talents with a multidisciplinary perspective.
Since his first solo exhibition, “NEOLOGISM,” in 1989, Nishimoto has consistently created works of exceptional form that invite viewers into a world of philosophical contemplation. The term “NEOLOGISM” refers to the “new interpretation of dogma” or “the creation of new words that may provoke bewilderment”. In the field of psychiatry, it also describes the “neologism” phenomenon observed in patients with schizophrenia. Nishimoto has stated, “This absurd act is strikingly close to the artistic impulse,” and this concept of absurdity remains a consistent theme in his work.
The interpretation of absurdity varies across eras, but in philosophy, it is generally defined as the contradiction between “humanity’s effort to pursuit meaning and purpose” and “the universe’s cold, unwavering indifference to such efforts.” French writer Albert Camus (1913–1960), whose works Nishimoto has resonated with since high school, is well known for his exploration of this theme. However, Camus’ philosophy of the absurd asserts that rather than lamenting the lack of inherent meaning in the world, one must confront this reality and rebel against it to find human value.
Nishimoto deeply empathizes with this perspective. He does not mourn the absence of meaning in the world but rather perceives this state as the fundamental truth and natural order of existence. For him, observing and fully embracing this reality is of utmost importance. This relentless pursuit drives his artistic practice, resulting in works that, while intellectually challenging, captivate viewers and transcend language with their profound allure.
In his first solo exhibition at TEZUKAYAMA GALLERY in 2021, Nishimoto presented his large-scale sculpture “The Distance 21497 (*1)”. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the world was faced with an unprecedented crisis that highlighted the fragility of human connections and forced a reevaluation of physical and emotional distances. Through this work, Nishimoto not only sought to materialize the pervasive sense of stagnation that engulfed society but also incorporated metaphors of a chrysalis—a transitional phase leading to a post-pandemic era—or an ark guiding humanity toward a new societal paradigm.
After nearly four years, Nishimoto makes his return to TEZUKAYAMA GALLERY, presenting his latest works such as “Caligula (*2)” , “Cathedral (*3)”, and “Audience (*4)”. We warmly welcome you to explore this remarkable exhibition.
Schedule Now in session | Mar 22 (Sat) 2025-Apr 19 (Sat) 2025 27 days left Opening Hours Information
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| Fee | Free | ||||
| Website | https://www.tezukayama-g.com/en/exhibition/neologism-23171-23199 | ||||
| Venue | Tezukayama Gallery https://tezukayama-g.com/en/ | ||||
| Location | 2F Yamazaki Bldg., 1-19-27 Minami Horie, Nishi-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 550-0015 | ||||
| Access | 10 minute walk from exit 6 at Yotsubashi Station on the Yotsubashi subway line, 10 minute walk from the North exit of Namba Station on the JR Kansai Main line. | ||||
| Phone | 06-6534-3993 | ||||
| Related images | Click on the image to enlarge it     |
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