Art is the nourishment of life. If the room allows, even large paintings can be displayed.
Alex Katz and Julian Opie, who got it in 2021 when they moved out of their home. The work is clearly a large piece of art. But in Mariko Nakayama 's pleasantly large room, it's as addictive as you can get into it.
"The '80s and '90s were a time when art was very much a part of my life. Even when I was living in New York and working as a stylist, my driving force was experiencing the pop art of artists like Basquiat and Keith Haring. I've loved Katz since back then, as he has an affinity with fashion.
However, my desire for art, which I had been ignoring for over 30 years, suddenly exploded when I reached the point where I had finished raising my children and was in my fresh 50s and had started making clothes. As a result, the more I went to exhibitions, the more I wanted art, and before I knew it, I was living a life surrounded by art.
The Katz print is an editioned piece and fits perfectly in the dining room, while the Opie is just the right size for the entrance hall, and both have become the focal point of our new home. Having them in the core of our home gives me energy and helps me work hard every day. But ultimately, I would love to give up all the art I've collected so far in order to live with a Giacometti sculpture, even if it's just a very small one (laughs)."
Art is powerful. It's a blessing to be able to live while feeling the power of the creator. Perhaps Giacometti will come to Nakayama's dream house one day!
Alex Katz
Recently recognized for his major retrospective at the Guggenheim, Katz's work "Nicole" is a mixed media print of lithograph, woodblock print, and silkscreen, signed and edition of 60. 
Alex Katz / Born in New York, USA in 1927. From the height of Abstract Expressionism in New York to the eve of the rise of Pop Art, he entered the scene attempting figurative expression to avoid these trends. He is still actively working, having lived for almost a century. ©Stephanie Sinclair/Redux/aflo
Julian Opie
Opie's work Taxi Driver. 2 is visible as soon as you enter the entrance. When Maho Kubota of MAHO KUBOTA GALLERY told me that there was only one of her pieces in a sea shipment, I knew it was a perfect encounter. 
Julian Opie / Born in London, England in 1958. Focusing on portraits and landscapes, he has gained popularity for his minimalist style, which uses pictogram-like organization and simplification of subject elements and simple colors. Website: www.mahokubota.com
photo: Keizo Kioku ©Julian Opie/courtesy of MAHO KUBOTA GALLERY
