From the practice of Zen Buddhism I have learned that our existence is composed of interconnected relationships. This notion has inspired me to use photography to reveal and establish such dynamics and connections.
While in Japan, I attended graduate school where I gained Ph.D. degrees in Neuroscience. After moved US in 1992, I started using camera and capture the people and city of Chicago. I learned photography from photojournalist Damaso Reyes.
Professional long-term project started in 2009 with “Chicago Redline station”, later it was expanded to “Cabrini-Green: Frances Cabrini Rowhouses” in 2010. These projects pervades to the present along with all the projects that have emerged from my continuing practice.
Photography is driven by vision and content. I find my subjects by following the currents and finding the social whirlpools of metropolitan Chicago.
I started using an off camera flash on streets in late 2011 to search different images which became my another series called “Lights in Chicago”. Through unique illuminations, I aim to capture social and cultural complexities within our society. In opening my own mind to new and often frightful vulnerabilities, I offer the viewer an opportunity for parallel understanding and connectivity.
Satoki K Nagata
Exhibitions
- SYNAPSIS, Gallerie Da-End, May 18-June 24, 2017 Paris, France, Duo show
- Lights in the City in Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan June 2016, multimedia presentation, Solo show
- Mediterraneum Photo Fest 2016, Roma, Italy, June 2016, Group Show
- Public art for Inside-out, Pioneer Court/Tribune Tower, April 1-24, 2015, Chicago, Solo Show
- Mediterraneum Photo Fest 2014, Siracusa, Italy, October 2014-2015, Group Show
- Ankoku, Matières Noires, Gallerie Da-End, November 8-December 20, 2014, Paris, France, Group Show
- Mujo-kan, Gallerie Da-End, November 5-December 21, 2013 Paris, France, Group Show
- Strange Beauty Show, December 2 2012-January 31, 2013
Chicago, Illinois, Solo show - Lights in The City: Chicago photographs by Satoki Nagata, Harold Washington Library Center, June 28-August 23, 2013
Chicago, Illinois, Solo show - Design Cloud Gallery, December 7, 2012-January 31, 2013
Chicago, Illinois, Solo show - Street Level, Design Cloud Gallery April 12-31, 2012
Chicago, Illinois, group show - Chicago the Beautiful, Chicago Art Space March 30-present, 2012
Chicago, Illinois, Group show - BLACKCLOUD GALLERY February 1-28, 2011
Chicago, Illinois, Group show - Chicago the Beautiful, Chicago Art Space February 29, 2012
Chicago, Illinois, Group show - BLACKCLOUD GALLERY January 1-31, 2011
Chicago, Illinois, Group show - BLACKCLOUD GALLERY December 1-31, 2010
Chicago, Illinois, Group show