Fuji Nakamizo-Manhattan from Central Park-Japanese-American-Modern Artist–1930s
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Description
Fuji Nakamizo-Manhattan from Central Park – Japanese-American Modern Artist – 1930s
About the Artist
Fuji (Fugi) Nakamizo (1889–1950) was a Japanese-American painter, printmaker, and illustrator. Born in Fukai, Japan, Nakamizo moved to New York City in 1910, where he trained at the Art Students League and Cooper Union Art School. There, he studied under master landscape painters such as Frank Vincent DuMond, as well as prominent printmakers and illustrators like Joseph Pennell. I could not find information about his training prior to emigrating to the United States, but many of his works clearly reflect the influence of East Asian watercolor traditions.
By the 1930s, Nakamizo began to gain broad recognition for his prints and paintings. In 1934, the Montross Gallery in New York hosted his solo exhibition. His works were also included in the Annual Exhibition of the Brooklyn Society of Miniature Painters and in the International Exhibition of Watercolors, Pastels, Drawings, and Monotypes during the 1930s. Today, his works are held in major collections including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
After World War II began, Fuji Nakamizo was detained in the Japanese American internment camp at Topaz, Utah, which disrupted his career. He passed away shortly afterward, in 1950.
About the Artwork
Though Nakamizo studied with American colorist painters like Frank Vincent DuMond, his landscape paintings reflect a unique style—he often blended the techniques and aesthetics of East Asian watercolor painting with Western subjects. In this work, Nakamizo used layered washes of light colors to create depth and achieve a sense of vibrance and richness.
Nakamizo spent decades in New York City and left behind various artworks depicting the city. Another of his watercolors showing Central Park from a different angle, completed around 1940, is held in the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
This painting is in fair condition. It is mounted on a backing board, with remnants of tape from previous mountings visible on the top corners and bottom edge. The paper shows minor discoloration and foxing. The signature and monogram appear in the lower right corner. Interestingly, Nakamizo signed this work as “Fugi” instead of “Nakamizo” or “Fuji/Fuji Nakamizo,” which is less common.
Painting Details
Size: 13.75 × 9.5 in
Technique: Watercolor on paper
Condition: Fair – Tape marks on top corners and bottom egde, minor discoloration, minor foxing, unframed
Provenance
South Bay Auctions Inc., NYC
Signature
Signed lower right, Fuji-Nakamizo with monogram