† Shozo Nagano
(Japanese/New York, 1928-2007)
"Attachment #4", 1992
acrylic on canvas on carved wood
signed and dated twice en verso, two old inventory/exhibition labels en verso, wired for display.
h. 50-1/8", w. 8", d. 2"
Shozo Nagano grew up in allied occupied Japan. He attended Kanazawa College of Art and was associated with a group of young abstract artists working with the goal of creating a modern Japanese artistic style. In 1965, he moved to New York City, often living in impoverished conditions. It was at this time that Nagano began to work on a series of canvases shaped to correspond to the painted images and then stretched over wooden supports. In the 1980s, partially inspired by the AIDS crisis, Nagano (an openly gay man) began incorporating male bodies into his work. These nude or partially draped figures often bend and contort on or around the canvases. The work offered here is of a man bent at the waist, arms grasping his legs, while the weight of the canvas is supported on his back.

Overall good condition with a few areas of abrading, especially at corners. A few areas of faint soiling. New Orleans Auction Galleries is pleased to issue and opinion of any lot; the absence of a condition report does not indicate that a lot is perfect condition or free from damage and/or wear.  Please understand that New Orleans Auction Galleries employs no professional conservators. All statements in any condition report, or statements taken verbally, are purely our best opinions, and not blanket statements of fact issued by this auction house.  Prospective buyers should examine each lot so as to satisfy themselves concerning condition, genuineness, importance, age, etc. Regardless of any statements made in writing or verbally, all lots are sold strictly "As Is" in accordance with section 2 of our Conditions of Sale.  No returns will be accepted on the basis of condition.