Artist of the Day, November 5, 2025 : Akio Makigawa, an Australian sculptor. (#2410)

 Akio Makigawa (1948) was born in Karatsu City, Japan. He completed a Bachelor of Arts from Nihon University, Tokyo, a Bachelor of Arts/Fine Art at Curtin University, Perth, and a Graduate Diploma (in sculpture) at the Victorian College of the Arts, Melbourne.

Makigawa’s sculpture utilises natural materials such as stone, wood and water, in works that balance the ideas of concrete presence and spiritual levity. Large-scale commissions by Makigawa now appear in the international departure lounge at Melbourne Airport and the Melbourne Town Hall Plaza.

Makigawa was born into Shinto, the traditional religion of Japan, where nature is worshipped and the spirit in all things is acknowledged. Although he never practised Zen Buddism he often referenced the five elements – earth, air, fire and water – as well as the spirit. These fundamental elements are often reinterpreted into signature organic forms such as mountains, clouds, flames, buds, markers, beacons, boats, and houses, to invite consideration into how we perceive these elements and their interrelation in space. 

Makigawa is remembered for his contemplative Zen-like works constructed from primary materials, including stone, steel and wood. One of the defining characteristics of his art, which presents a juxtaposition of elements and a unique sculptural language, is a balance between physicality and inner tranquillity. Makigawa was a kind and generous man whose practice drew on his enormous creative energy and deep-rooted Japanese cultural tradition.

Makigawa had established a respected position as an important sculptor in this country. His work is held in major public and private collections throughout Australia, and examples of his public commissions can be seen in prominent civic locations in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.

Makigawa: Spirit and Memory, installed in the foyer galleries of NGV Australia, has been developed in close collaboration with the late artist’s partner, prominent jeweller Carlier Makigawa. Akio and Carlier met in Perth in 1976 as art students and shared a special closeness from the time they first met until Akio’s death. The exhibtion presents a selection of works by Akio drawn from Carlier’s collection – some of which have never been exhibited publicly before.

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Akio Makigawa

Untitled,  c. 1977

Maquette for Elements and Being,  c. 1989

Maquette for Evolution of Energy,  c. 1989

Maquette for Under the Obelisk,  c. 1989

Maquette for Night Sea Crossing,  c. 1992

Night Sea Crossing,  c. 1992

Untitled,  c. 1992

Maquette for Equilibrium,  c. 1993

Maquette for Time and Tide,  c. 1993

MCMXCIII,  c. 1993

Time and Tide,  c. 1994

Time and Tide,  c. 1994

Garden of desire,  c. 1995

Wisdom of Water,  c. 1995

Cycle of Life II,  c. 1999

Untitled,  c. 1999

Cycle of Life II,  c. 1999

Maquette for Sydney Town Hall,  c. 1999

Maquette for Untitled,  c. 1999

Titans I,  c. 1999

Untitled,  c. 1999

Untitled,  c.  1999

Untitled,  c.  1999

Black and White State Library, Perth 

From "The Spirit and Memory" series

From "The Spirit and Memory" series

From "The Spirit and Memory" series

From "The Spirit and Memory" series

Nº. 47

Public arts Melbourne