NKSIN, real name Shin Nakagawa, is a Filipino-Japanese artist who creates largely monotone figurative busts of various characters — some resembling pop cultural figures, others entirely featureless. Created using airbrush on canvas, much of his work is aesthetically inspired by ’90s animation as he seeks to address societal issues in a humorous way.
For his latest solo exhibition, NKSIN is showcasing a new body of work entitled REVIVAL at albertz benda gallery in Los Angeles. Growing up in-between Japan and the Philippines, his artwork is deeply informed by his biracial identity and the social inequity and discrimination experienced along the way. Entirely self-taught, NKSIN distills human emotions into sardonic portraits that act as a respite to the information overload ever-present today. “We don’t want to see or hear such negative information anymore, we want silence,” NKSIN said in a statement.
“In a world where we are constantly exposed to super-charged imagery, NKSIN’s paintings provide a moment of pause,” added Thorsten Albertz, founding partner of albertz benda. “Through an understated, flat airbrushed style NKSIN’s work represents complex narration and social commentary via unique characters.”
REVIVAL is currently on view in LA and will conclude on July 8.
For more on art, Xavier Casalta reimagines the iconic Riva Aquarama Boat by Bellini Nautica.
albertz benda
8260 Marmont Ln
Los Angeles, CA 90069
