MARIKA NAGAOKE


Works
・Cling　（2026-2025）
・Run  　（2021-2016）
・Dance　（2025-2008）
・Blue on Body　（2006）



RUN
2021
oil on canvas
107×72 inch（2730×1820mm）

At the center of the piece, a woman in a suit breaks away from the horizontal flow of the crowd, running directly toward the viewer with a tense and determined expression. She has reached a turning point: refusing to be passively swept along by the masses, she chooses to forge her own path. This artwork visualizes the profound shift in my outlook on life catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic.



2024   Winner, 15th ITSLIQUID International Contest, Italy
2021    Memorial Prize, 65th New Hokkaido Art Association                                        Exhibition,Japan



Born in 1976 Saitama,  Japan
apporo -based




Artist Statement
My paintings are deeply rooted in the art of dance, a discipline I have practiced since childhood. Capturing the dynamism of the human body and the transient movement of the surrounding air through the motif of dance continuously stimulates my imagination, breathing vitality into each canvas. For me, the act of painting is itself a profound form of physical expression. Throughout the creative process, I feel a visceral oneness with the figures taking shape on the canvas. I translate the fluid movements born from my dialogues and creative exchanges with dancers into painterly forms, entrusting the human figure with raw, inner messages: conflict, impulse, loneliness, resilience, and ultimate liberation.

Exhibitions

2026  Solo Exhibition “Clinging Red, Resisting Body”  Gallery SOU,                        Sapporo          
2026  “LOADING PLEASE WAIT" Galeria Azur, New York
2026   ART INTERNATIONAL ZURICH – Digital exhibition entry
2024  “Contemporary Venice”, Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello,   Venice, Italy


Awards

2026   Finalist, Arte Laguna Prize, Venice, Italy
2026   Finalist, Art International Zurich, Switzerland
2026   Winner, ITSLIQUID Artist of the Year 2025
2024   Grand Prize, 68th New Hokkaido Art Association Exhibition,                        Japan
2024   Winner, 15th ITSLIQUID International Contest, Italy
2021    Memorial Prize, 65th New Hokkaido Art Association                                        Exhibition,Japan
Edducasion
1998 Graduated from MUsashino Art University




Last Updated 24.10.31