"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

LOTUS PLAY
Oil on Canvas
50 x 75 cm
2020