MIKI NAGANO
Biography

Miki Nagano 永野みき

Statement

My image starts from the shape of nature, like clouds, waves, trees etc. The image recalls memories. Sky that continues to the end, flow of clouds, smell of the flowers, feel of the land — from that point my creation starts. The scenery is different every time, even if I draw it many times. Discovery and continuation become the energy of creation. I apply the multicolor printing techniques used in lithography and etching to monotype, creating multicolor prints. My monotype works explore the beauty of overlapping colors created by layering multiple plates and printing each one onto the same sheet of paper. Each plate is meticulously crafted, and when printed in layers, they produce striking effects of light and imagery.

Recently, I’ve started using two sheets of monotype paper layered on top of each other. I cut out a section of the top sheet so that the paper underneath shows through the cutout. Through this work, I’ve gained a new perspective on the colors and light that shine through. This has been a major step forward for me and is serving as a bridge to new creative endeavors.

Message

Ever since I was a child, I’ve been captivated by the clouds drifting across the sky. In the mornings, the sun would rise, the wind would blow, and I could hear birds chirping, train whistles, the sound of passing cars, and the voices of my neighbors chatting. Sometimes, I even looked forward to hearing the sound of raindrops. I was surrounded by these ordinary sounds. And I truly believed that they would go on forever. Our world doesn’t need bombs, gunfire, or hate crimes. As dusk falls, living creatures grow weary and drift off to sleep. Please take a look at these works, which I created with the deep conviction that such everyday moments are precious and vital.

Bio

Born in Furukawa City, Miyagi Prefecture (now Ōsaki City), Japan. She currently lives in New Jersey, USA, and exhibits her work in both Japan and the United States.

Education

1980–1984Printmaking Workshop, New York
1979–1983Pratt Graphic Center, Pratt Institute, New York
1978–1979Philadelphia College of Art, PA
1976–1978MFA, Printmaking, Tama Art University, Tokyo, Japan
1972–1976BFA, Printmaking, Tama Art University, Tokyo, Japan

Awards (excerpt)

2023The “In Memory of Gertrude Pherdt, a Beloved Teacher” Award, Society of American Graphic Artists, The Old Print Shop, New York
2021Third Michael Lasuchin Award, American Color Print Society, Mary R. Koch Arts Center, Wichita, Kansas
2013The Stan Cluck Memorial Award for a Monoprint, American Color Print Society Show, PA
2009“NY Coo Gallery Open Art Contest” IBERICA Award, New York
1982Jerome Foundation Award, Printmaking Workshop, New York

Collections (excerpt)

Brooklyn Museum, New York
Library of Congress, Washington D.C.
The World Bank, Washington D.C.
New York Public Library, NY
Free Library of Philadelphia, PA
Newark Public Library, NJ
Tama Art University, Tokyo

Solo Shows (excerpt)

2025“Colors of the Sky, Memories of Light,” Galerie Dengri, Tokyo, Japan
2022“Art work + one,” Home Away From Home XVIII, Tenri Gallery, New York, NY
2018“Light and Distance,” Ridgewood Public Library, New Jersey, USA
2014“Layers of Color,” NY Coo Gallery, New York
2009“Control and Spontaneity,” Ridgewood Public Library, New Jersey
1977“Graduation Works,” Ai Gallery, Tokyo, Japan

Exhibitions (excerpt)

2025–2017Society of Japanese and American Creators, Tenri Gallery / Max Gallery New York, New York, NY
2026“Three Artists Show,” Shoshinkan Gallery, Matsushiro, Nagano, Japan
2026–2016Japanese and Japanese American Artists’ Exhibition, JAA New York, NY
2026–2025Society of American Graphic Artists at Brooklyn Fine Art Print Fair, Powerhouse, Brooklyn, NY
2026–2023NY Connection, Gallery Siacca, Tokyo, Japan
2025ImMIGRATION at IMPACT 13, Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada
2025–2022Society of American Graphic Artists Annual Mini Gems, Saga Gallery, New York, NY
2025–2022Prints on B’dway, Max Gallery, New York
2025–2007American Color Print Society Show, Abington Art Center, Philadelphia, PA and other locations
2025–2004Home Away From Home Exhibition, Tenri Gallery, Hammond Museum, NY Coo Gallery, New York and other locations.
2025–1999Society of American Graphic Artists Members Exhibition, Old Print Shop, New York
2024–2017Small Artwork Show, Studio 34, Queens, NY / Gallery Shoshinkan, Nagano, Japan
2023Pratt Reunion, Gallery 128, New York, NY
2021–1982Boston Printmakers Members’ Exhibition, Providence Arts Club, RI and other locations
2017“Seven Currents,” b-stile Maihama, Chiba, Japan
2015100th Anniversary Exhibition, Society of American Graphic Artists, The Art Students League, NY
2011International Exhibition of Contemporary Works on Paper, NY Coo Gallery, New York
2010New York Society of Etchers 10th Anniversary Exhibition, National Arts Club, New York
2009–2007“An Exhibition of Selected Works,” NY Coo Gallery Open Art Contest, New York, NY
2006“2006 ART NOW,” Hiroshima Prefecture Museum, Japan
2001International Works on Paper Show, SOHO 20 Gallery, NYC
1990Print Composition 1990, Tama Art University, Tokyo
1987–1985International Biennial Print Exhibit, Taipei Museum, ROC
1986The 161st Annual Exhibition, National Academy of Design, NYC
1985Hanga 1985, Japan Print Association, Metropolitan Museum, Tokyo
1984Ibiza Graphic 84’, Museo de Arte Contemporaneo, Ibiza, Spain
1983Mini Print International, Cadaqués, Spain
1975Two Women Show, Sanbangai Gallery, Tokyo, Japan

Membership (excerpt)

since 2015Brooklyn Museum, Artist Member
since 1985Society of American Graphic Artists
since 1985Boston Printmakers
since 2007American Color Print Society
since 2006Board Member, Tama Art University Alumni Association New York Club