Brushstrokes of Hope: Tamaki’s Art as a Voice for Love, Memory, and Resilience

TAMAKI’S EXPERIENCE WITH FIRST WISH ART GALLERY HAS BEEN DEEPLY MEANINGFUL AND INSPIRING.

“As an Elite Member of the First Wish Art Gallery, I had the opportunity to join a 10-country tour including Japan, Georgia, Italy, Dubai, Turkey, Spain, Malaysia, the Netherlands, and Austria. It was a valuable experience to have my artworks travel the world and be seen by so many. Watching people engage deeply with my art encouraged me to create works that truly touch hearts across the globe.”

Tamaki Nagakubo

INDACY: • What themes or emotions do you find yourself returning to, even unconsciously, in your work?

TAMAKI: I’m unconsciously drawn to themes of healing, hope, and natural energy. I try to express invisible but deep felt things like sunlight, wind and voice of my heart.

INDACY: • Is there a particular material, color, or symbol that holds special meaning in your practice?

TAMAKI: I express the energy I feel—the sun, flowers, wind and trees—through colorful tones and soft pastel colors, hoping to bring a sense of vitality and healing to those who view my artworks.

INDACY: • Can you walk us through your process — from first idea to final piece? What part do you enjoy the most?

TAMAKI: My inspiration comes from feelings and moments in nature, like wind, sunlight, flowers and four seasons in Japan. I imagine colors and designs. The moment I enjoy most is when the colors match my emotions perfectly.

INDACY: • How has growing up in Japan — with its duality of ancient and modern — shaped your identity as an artist?

TAMAKI: Growing up in Japan, I was surrounded by a deep respect for nature, the changing four seasons, and the delicate aesthetics passed down through generations, while also being exposed to modern, diverse perspectives and contemporary art. This unique blend of tradition and modernity has shaped my work, allowing me to create art that harmonizes the serenity and strength of nature with vibrant, contemporary expressions.

INDACY: • Do you think your work speaks differently to Japanese audiences compared to international ones?

TAMAKI: Yes. Japanese audiences often connect with the cultural familiarity of seasonal and nature motifs, appreciating subtle nuances in color and form. International audiences tend to respond more intuitively to the vivid colors and energy, expressing emotional reactions more openly.

INDACY: • Was there a past exhibition or collaboration that felt like a turning point for you? Why?

TAMAKI: The 2023 First Wish Art Gallery exhibition in Japan, which featured 38 artists from 10 different countries and cultural backgrounds, became a turning point for me. For the first time, I had the wonderful experience of viewing and appreciating each other’s works with the visiting artists, deepening our mutual understanding. It was through this experience that I truly realized art can transcend borders and create shared empathy.

INDACY: • Is there a dream city, gallery, or space where you’d love to exhibit your work someday?

TAMAKI: I have had the experience of having my work featured on the screens of Times Square, but I dream of one day holding a solo exhibition in New York—a vibrant, energetic city I once visited, where I watched performances in this melting pot of cultures and explored its many galleries.

INDACY: • What conversations do you hope your art might start — or continue — in the world?

TAMAKI: I hope my art sparks conversations about the beauty and power of nature, as well as the connections and empathy between people. I also wish it could inspire dialogue about hope and healing, especially among those facing difficult circumstances.

INDACY: • If someone stood in front of your work and felt one thing, what would you want that to be?

TAMAKI: Hope. I want my work to make people feel that, no matter their circumstances, there is always light and possibility within their hearts, and inspire them to move forward toward their dreams and hopes for the future.

INDACY: • When you're not making art, where do you go to feel most like yourself?

TAMAKI: By the seaside or in nature. Surrounded by the sound and feel of waves, wind, and light, I can connect with my inner voice and feelings, receiving energy from nature. These moments help me return to a state where I can see things positively.

INDACY: • What’s something about you that people might not expect when they see your work?

TAMAKI: Although my work is bright and colorful, I have experienced caring for a beloved family member and going through challenging times. These experiences have led me to create art filled with hope and healing.

INDACY: • Do you keep a sketchbook or journal? If yes, what kind of things do you write or draw when no one’s watching?

TAMAKI: I use my iPad like a diary, recording my feelings through colors and designs. Rather than using words, I express my thoughts and inner voice through color.

INDACY: • What do you hope people will say about your art 20 years from now?

TAMAKI: I hope my art will still give people energy and hope 20 years from now—especially those going through illness or hard times. If it can make someone feel less alone, even for a moment, then I’ll feel it has meaning.

INDACY: • If your artwork could travel without you, where in the world would you want it to go first? TAMAKI: There are many people in the world who are suffering from poverty, war, and illness, without being able to hold dreams or hope for the future. I especially want to send energy and encouragement to children who still have a future ahead of them.