"The title of this series directly references shunga, a traditional Japanese form of erotic art on ink paintings or woodblock prints produced mainly in the Edo period (1600- 1868). Literally meaning “spring pictures”, shunga destigmatized sex and celebrated intimacy as beautiful and natural. Alluding to concepts in Edward W. Said’s 1978 post- structuralist novel “Orientalism”, Nishiyama delves deeper in her works to explore the patronization of eastern culture that has evolved into “orientalism”. As an artist of mixed Japanese descent, the artist bridges her Japanese heritage with nuanced concepts such as modern orientalism to desexualize lust.
Despite being in the 21st century, Nishiyama still inevitably experiences cultural adhesion. Shunga transcends traditional Japanese aesthetics and Western stereotypes. In continuation with concepts regarding human fragility, as well as the artist’s cultural identity, Shunga liberates and brings light to the vulnerable aspects of our beings. Both as an Asian Artist and Asian woman, the artist hopes to elevate her sense of identity and humanity through these works."
-Whitestone Gallery Hong Kong, 2020
In support of Operation Smile
FUN HOUSE
Charcoal, Acrylic, Oil on canvas
71 x 78 cm
2020
TUMBLE
Charcoal, Acrylic, Oil on canvas
71 x 78 cm
2020
窒息 CHISSOKU
Charcoal, Acrylic, Oil on canvas
71 x 78 cm
2020
HIBIKI
Charcoal, Acrylic, Oil on canvas
71 x 78 cm
2020
JAPANESE BODIES
Charcoal, Acrylic, Oil on canvas
71 x 78 cm
2020
抱っこ DAKKO
Charcoal, Acrylic, Oil on canvas
71 x 78 cm
2020
PROTECTORS
Charcoal, Acrylic, Oil on canvas
71 x 78 cm
2020
主人 SHUJIN
Charcoal, Acrylic, Oil on canvas
71 x 78 cm
2020
つまらない TSUMARANAI
Charcoal, Acrylic, Oil on canvas
71 x 78 cm
2020
バラ JAPANESE ROSE
Charcoal, Acrylic, Oil on canvas
71 x 78 cm
2020
THREE LITTLE SPOONS
Charcoal, Acrylic, Oil on canvas
37 x 41 cm
2020
MAN IN NATURE
Charcoal, Acrylic, Oil on canvas
71 x 78 cm
2020
MUROMACHI
Charcoal, Acrylic, Oil on canvas
71 x 78 cm
2020
GUARDIAN ANGELS
Charcoal, Acrylic, Oil on canvas
71 x 78 cm
2020
大丈夫 DAIJYOBU
Charcoal, Acrylic, Oil on canvas
71 x 78 cm
2020
YOSHIWARA
Charcoal, Acrylic, Oil on canvas
71 x 78 cm
2020
ISSHO
Charcoal, Acrylic, Oil on canvas
71 x 78 cm
2020
ATSUKAN
Charcoal, Acrylic, Oil on canvas
71 x 78 cm
2020
DEDICATED
Charcoal, Acrylic, Oil on canvas
71 x 78 cm
2020
RITE OF SPRING
Oil on Canvas
66 x 86 cm
2020