Works by Nakamura Tomonori and Watanabe Chiaki

Nakamura Tomonori & Watanabe Chiaki
June 27 – July 19, 2025
Artists’ Opening: Friday, June 27, 5-7pm
Demonstration by Watanabe & Lecture by Nakamura: Saturday, June 28, 2pm
1601 Paseo de Peralta, Santa Fe, NM

TAI Modern’s first show of the 2025 summer season kicks off with a celebration of the continuing traditions and innovations of the Sado Island sculptural tradition. Around 15 years ago, Nakamura Tomonori and Watanabe Chiaki both enrolled in the SADO School’s Japanese Bamboo Art program, where they were taught by noted TAI Modern artists, Honma Hideaki and Kawano Shoko. Prior to this, both men had pursued different careers: Nakamura as an IT engineer, and Watanabe as a social worker. Drawing from their time spent on Sado Island, the artists explore the limits of what bamboo can do—from expressive lines to architectural angles to organic compositions that play with shape and volume.

The gallery warmly invites you to join the artists in Santa Fe for the opening on Friday, June 27 from 5-7pm, and then on Saturday, June 28 at 2pm for a bamboo demonstration given by Watanabe, accompanied with a lecture on the artform by Nakamura.

They hope you will be able to join the artists at this special opening event!

To learn more and view their online catalog, click here.