Naoki Kimura
PROFILE
Naoki Kimura, who spent his early childhood in Nishijin, Kyoto, moved to the United States in 1987 to study abroad. Even during his academic years, he was exploring the possibilities of photography as a form of fine art.
Kimura’s works are monochrome prints that capture the fluctuation and its texture (qualia) that arise at the moment when time and space intersect, based on the theme of mono no aware, which he himself refers to as Nagi. The unique characteristic of monochrome photography to clearly abstract reality forms the core of his artistic style.
In 1990, he established a residence in New York in order to produce work in Europe. Since then, he has presented numerous photographic art pieces set in Europe. His works, which emit a distinctive atmosphere evoking the cultural and historical background of Italy and the Renaissance period, have established a style of capturing architecture through his unique sensibility. In the past, he has also created series in collaboration with architects.
Since around 2017, he has been based in Tokyo. His recent works, which focus on Japanese historical architecture, temples, and shrines, do not treat the structures merely as subjects of documentation, but rather capture them as presences where light and shadow, time and memory intersect, reflecting their spiritual essence.
BIOGRAPHY
Born in Osaka Prefecture, raised in Kyoto City
PAST EXHIBITIONS
Solo Exhibitions（Selected）：
2025 “Lullscapes in Light and Shadow” Hilton Tokyo Chocolate Lounge, Tokyo
2024 “KOIN – a time flies as lullscapes” KYOTO TSUTAYA BOOKS, Kyoto
2023 “the tranquility as lullscape ‘nagi’ In praise of shadows” Sho+1, Tokyo
2022 “’nagi’ on the edge of Milestone” Fireking cafe, Tokyo
2018 “’nagi’ – anecdote – Naoki Kimura” Soei Gallery, Tokyo
2015 “through the window – Fallen and Piled Up Lights” Emon Photo Gallery, Tokyo
2014 “『Nagi』Photo Book Publication Commemorative Exhibition” Emon Photo Gallery, Tokyo
2013 “Director’s Choice Vol.3 B&W” Emon Photo Gallery, Tokyo
2012 “Director’s Choice Vol.2” Emon Photo Gallery, Tokyo
2011 “PORTRAIT” Emon Photo Gallery, Tokyo
2010 “Silent Monochrome” Emon Photo Gallery, Tokyo
2009 “NAGI- Beginning, Fleeting Moment – Naoki Kimura” Emon Photo Gallery, Tokyo
2005 “ML Collaboration Project: Photographs as Interior” Cassina IXC, Tokyo
1993 “3 days in China Town / Naoki Kimura Exposure” Shibuya PARCO, Traveling Exhibition at PARCO Stores, Tokyo
Group Exhibitions（Selected）：
2024 “Art Collaboration Kyoto（ACK）” Sho+1, Kyoto
2024 “ART FAIR TOKYO 2024” Sho+1, Tokyo
2022 “art stage OSAKA” Sho+1, Osaka
2022 “ART FAIR TOKYO 2022” Sho+1, Tokyo
2019 “Architecture and Light” Emon Photo Gallery, Tokyo
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