Bio
Mitsutaka Konagi is a sculptor born and raised in Japan. His professional art practice began in New York when he joined the restoration company B&H Art-In-Architecture in 2009. Working with stone for over a decade on landmarks and historic buildings in New York City, Konagi acquired valuable stone carving knowledge and skill, which he applies to his work today. He primarily uses natural materials such as stone and ceramic, appreciating their inherent colors, shapes, and textures. Konagi currently works from his studio in Brooklyn.
Statement
I find the beauty of the unintentional shapes and textures that remain after the making of something intentional. Often I find something surprising that draws me in, moving me to respond. These leftovers may not be complete on their own, but the process of using them to create something new is what I find enticing. This is something I notice in my personal life as well; encountering the unexpected, raw elements in this way is what I also appreciate about the city of New York, where I live today. Its diversity and expressiveness constantly inspires and motivates me.
In my series “Leftovers From New York,” every sculpture is made from leftover stone from restoration projects in New York, including the New York Public Library, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, The Met Cloisters, and Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate—and were collected during my ten years working for a restoration company. Because they were intended for specific decorative sculptural elements, they already have unique characteristics in their shapes, cracks and textures. I preserve these elements and allow them to “guide” me in creating something new.
