Jeffrey Nishinaka

by Katherine Avalos

Paper sculptures that look as they have been made from sky pieces, marble or even ice cream are creations that only an artist named Jeffrey Nishinaka can build using single paper and glue. Nishinaka has not only invaded the market with 3D images made out of paper, but he has also given a new perspective in the sculptural world. His creations are master pieces that can be compared with the statues made of marble in the ancient Greece because of the perfection and details that every piece has.

Jeffrey Nishinaka, the artist behind the most amazing paper sculptures, was born in Los Angeles, California in 1959 where he grew up surrounded by two skillful parents (Wonderlance). Nishinaka began his studies at UCLA, later on graduating from the prestigious Art Center College of Design, Pasadela, California in 1982, getting a bachelor degree in fine arts in illustration (Jeff Nishinaka ).  In 1992 he received an honor from the “Dimensional Illustrators Awards Show in New York” (Paper Sculpture). Nishinaka latest exposition has been made in “Fu Xin Gallery,” Shanghai in 2009 where his most devoted collector Jackie Chan borrowed some pieces from his private gallery collection to be exposed (Artzinechina). In 2011 he was invited to participate in a challenge made by Fresh Perspective where he was asked to create two pieces on the theme of challenge and empower (Fresh Perspective).

In the Art Center, Jeffrey Nishinaka had his first experience working with paper art and sculpture. When Nishinaka was studying, he was asked to experiment with different mediums. His "A-HA!" moment as he describes, it happened when he discovered his gift as a paper sculptor after he made a sculpture of a fish for one of his classes(Lexis Nexis). In an interview with “RubyHornet” web magazine he said,  "It was a surprise to me when I found myself changing to paper sculpture, but it was more like it chose me, not the other way around". Supporting his feelings in another interview with “Fresh Perspective”, web magazine he stresses that paper practically felt on his lap and he sticks to it since then.

Nishinaka’s work has being influenced by the environment where he grew up. Most of his work is a way to contribute to what Los Angeles used to be in his childhood (Fresh Perspective). A clear example of his influence at work are the pieces made for “Atlantic Record CD cover for the band O.A.R.” and “ANA Intercontinental Hotel Tokyo ” which have similar patterns representing nature making those pieces alike but unique at the end. Moreover, Nishinaka’s Asian heritage has played an important role in his work. The “Imperial Dragon” is one of Jeffrey Nishinaka pieces representing the Asian culture(Arzinechine).

Jeffrey Nishinaka is different from other artists because he notices the three-dimensionality in everything that he sees. Nishinaka uses his everyday experiences to make fabulous pieces to create emotion in his views. In an interview with Geoff Carter, a writer for “Fresh Perspectives,”  Nishinaka said, “I try to see things through my mind’s eye. If I look down this street to the intersection of another street, I can see the perspective — and I think, ‘That might make a really interesting sculpture.’” His way of sensing the world is what makes Nishinaka’s work unique because he does not only bring his everyday life experiences in to a sculpture, but he gives life to it.

Nishinaka has been cataloged as the premier paper sculptor in the world. Some critics say that his work “pops up everywhere” (The Cool Hunter).  Other reviewer said that his pieces are meticulously made and are an example of perfection (Wonderlance). Another reviewer said that Nishinaka “shine[s] out as exemplary” (Environmental graffiti).  Recently a reviewer said that his “talent”, “approach” and “dedication” has made him the best artist (Ruby Hornet).

For me, Jeff Nishinaka is a very skillful artist that creates magic with his hands. One of my favorite pieces is the one made for the “Children's Museum of the East End” in Bridgehampton, New York. In this piece he embodies the entire world using the most significant symbols around it, such as the Statue of Liberty, the Egypt pyramids, and so on. Another of my favorite piece is “The Tiger Mask”. Even though this is not one of the most famous pieces made by Nishinaka, for me it is one of the most impressive. The “Tiger Mask” not only exemplifies the savage and power of nature, but it also represents the influence of the Asian culture in Nishinaka’s work. These two works are very different in theme but they have something in common, they both are impressive sculptures made of paper what make theme unique.