Two Horizons 1968

Kazuo Nakamura created this intriguing abstract composition, with what appear to be lacquered panels, maybe in the mid to late twentieth century. You can see that the squares and rectangles are carefully arranged, and neatly finished. Nakamura was interested in mathematical systems and theories of perception, and this informs his aesthetic. In this work, the geometry is emphasized by the distinct, even severe, boundaries between the various forms, and the way the planes seem to float in and out of the surface. The result is a play of positive and negative space, reminiscent of Constructivist art. What I find particularly compelling is the level of craft involved. Unlike a painting, the construction is quite deliberate, labor-intensive, and systematic. This brings a new dimension to the work, suggesting a world of manufacturing or even architecture. It suggests that the making process and social context are key to understanding its full meaning, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.