Nishijima Katsuyuki ( 1945 ~ )

Nishijima Katsuyuki (西嶋 勝之), born in 1945 in Yamaguchi Prefecture, is recognized as one of the most prominent and representative Sōsaku Hanga (創作版画) artists of the late 20th century. His art draws heavily from traditional ukiyo-e (浮世絵) and the shin-hanga (新版画) movement, showcasing themes and principles that blend the two styles. He began his artistic journey at the age of 19, training at the Mikumo publishing house in Kyoto from 1964 to 1968. During this period, he explored various forms of printing and stencil dyeing before dedicating himself to woodblock printmaking in the Sōsaku Hanga style.
Nishijima's works often depict timeless, romantic, and rural landscapes without human presence, focusing on traditional townhouses (minka, 民家). They evoke a nostalgic spirit, drawing attention to old wooden buildings, rain, snow, and wind. His mastery of composition and the interplay of light and color distinguish his works, offering a unique contemporary take on classic series like the Sixty-Nine Stations of the Kisokaido.
His art has been exhibited throughout Japan, Europe, and the United States, earning him a place among the most celebrated contemporary Japanese artists.