Physalis 18

In Katsuhito Nishikawa's autonomous work, encompassing painting, drawing, sculpture, design and architecture, the dissolving of boundaries plays a central role. Thematically, the tension between building and growing permeates his entire work. In giving his sculptures seemingly plant-like forms, which are nonetheless assembled from precise, geometric elements and executed in industrial materials, he directs the observer’s attention onto the dualism of culture and nature. Here, he also throws light on the dialogue between Japanese and European thought, in which views on the development of nature and the role of Man are at times far apart. The ten elements of his installation “Physalis” for Blickachsen 13 combine precisely this contradiction. At the same time, through the heaviness of their concrete material, the sculptures in the Schlosspark create a vivid contrast to the lightness of their botanical model.
Katsuhito Nishikawa moved to Europe in 1972, after completing his studies in business administration in Japan. He studied sculpture in Munich and under Erwin Heerich in Düsseldorf, his work has been widely exhibited, and he now lives and works at Insel Hombroich, where he has for many years actively supported its development.