Chuji Nakamura “Shipyard”

Author birth and death: 1898 Shikama-gun Mitachi-mura [Himeji] (Hyogo) – 1975 Tokyo
Year of production: 1955
Technique Material: Ink, paper
Dimensions: 34.0 x 48.4 cm
Signature and date: Lower left “XNUMX/Chuji”

Exhibition history: "Techniques on Paper: University of Tsukuba Collection, Ishii Collection" January 2012th - February 1th, 7 Musashino City Kichijoji Museum of Art cat. 2; "19th Anniversary of His Birth: Chuji Nakamura Exhibition - Ooinarushuunen" Nerima Museum of Art June 9-July 120, 2018 cat. 6.

Literature: Edited by Rintaro Terakado, “Ishii Collection I. Paintings in the University of Tsukuba,” University of Tsukuba, Faculty of Art, 2011, cat. 10.

Collection number: 2010-JD-IS003

Work description:
At the time when ``Shipyard'' was painted, Chuji Nakamura was devoted to watercolor and ink, and his favorite motifs were river mouths and water gates.Here, heavy machinery is set up slightly to the right of the center, and two large and small triangular roofs can be seen behind it.Chimneys spew out smoke, and electric wires cross the telephone poles in the background.On this side of the building is the water surface reflecting its shadow, and perhaps a water gate.This is a striking example of the characteristic painting style of this period, with its free-spirited, wild lines and boldly simplified forms that are based on concrete objects.On the other hand, Door is rendered in ink, as if to foretell his return to watercolor and ink styles in his later years.The symmetrical figure in the center of the painting is strongly reminiscent of the shapes that Nakamura began portraying in the mid-60s to represent people.The central figure, which is divided to the left and right, can be seen to be related to the Bunseki series of the same year, and can also be seen as a reflection of Nakamura's own complicated feelings regarding his relationship with his former wife, Toshiko. I can do it too.