Nakamura Yuta
APT8
Born 1983, Tokyo, Japan
Lives and works in Kyoto, Japan
Trained as a ceramicist, Nakamura Yuta's practice traverses the discourses of art history, architecture, archives and sculptural installation. Nakamura's Tiles, Small Shrine and Tourism 2014–15 engages with the small, often unnoticed Jizo shrines indigenous to the neighbourhoods of Kyoto, Japan — a subtle yet continual reminder of traditional Buddhist faith and the routine of personal devotion in the busy streets of the city. Nakamura has produced non-sacred versions of these small shrines — made to hold everyday items such as books and photographs. He focuses on the material form of the shrines, their properties as stone, mortar and their wooden frame holding mosaic or majolica tiles, rather than sacred items. Nakamura also contextualises his recent practice through archival displays and engaging lectures.
Nakamura Yuta / Japan b.1983 / Calendar: Nishinokyo Umaryocho (detail) 2015 (from 'Tiles, Small Shrine and Tourism' 2014–15) / © Nakamura Yuta