西嶋勝之 Katsuyuki Nishijima (1945-Present)

Japan’s Quiet Quintessence - The Prints of Katsuyuki Nishijima

Katsuyuki Nishijima (b. 1945, Yamaguchi) has dedicated over five decades to capturing a distilled vision of traditional Japan through woodblock printmaking. Drawing from the traditions of ukiyo-e, shin-hanga, and sōsaku hanga, Nishijima depicts quiet, rural settings featuring old merchant streets, minka (民家) farmhouses, and still seasonal views. Notably devoid of human presence or signs of modernity - no power lines, cars, or people - his prints offer a pure and timeless sense of place. The result is a body of work that captures the quiet quintessence of Japan, attentive to the cultural significance of landscape and architecture.

After an early apprenticeship at Kyoto’s Mikumo publishing house and initial experiments with stencil printing in the 1960s, Nishijima began self-publishing in the 1970s, steadily developing a distinctive body of work inspired by Kyoto and rural Japan. His prints subtly echo the atmospheric sensitivity of the early 20th-century shin-hanga movement, yet possess their own quiet refinement, balanced composition, and architectural clarity. Alongside series such as Kisokaidō (木曾街道) and New Eight Views of Ōmi (新近江八景), Nishijima's work reflects a thoughtful engagement with classical themes, gently reminding us of the historical narratives and cultural heritage embedded in the scenes he captures.

Widely collected internationally, yet maintaining an understated profile, Nishijima continues the accessible spirit of ukiyo-e, maintaining a rare commitment to accessibility, publishing works in large editions and various formats. His recent monochrome prints introduce a further layer of elegance, demonstrating a quiet evolution in his style. Rooted in historical awareness, spiritual reverence, and exacting craftsmanship, Katsuyuki Nishijima’s prints invite quiet reflection on cultural memory and evoke Japan’s enduring spirit of place.