“Maelstrom II,” Miki Nagano’s 1980 hand-pulled etching (28x22), signed and numbered 14/100, a dynamic abstraction of swirling line, motion, and depth.

$2,400.00

“Maelstrom II,” Miki Nagano’s 1980 hand-pulled etching (28x22), signed and numbered 14/100, a dynamic abstraction of swirling line, motion, and depth.

“Maelstrom II” (1980) is a striking hand-pulled etching by renowned Japanese printmaker Miki Nagano, showcasing her signature mastery of layered abstraction and atmospheric motion. This limited-edition impression, signed and numbered 14/100, measures 28 x 22 inches and exemplifies Nagano’s ability to transform natural forces into rhythmic, sculptural visual form. In this work, sweeping arcs and interwoven linear strata evoke spiraling currents, wind-driven flow, or the vortex-like pull of a maelstrom—rendered with exceptional precision and tonal sensitivity.

Through complex intaglio techniques—multiple plates, selective wiping, and fine modulated textures—Nagano creates a sense of movement that feels both powerful and contemplative. The rich interplay of deep green, graphite grey, and soft mineral-white creates a dynamic yet balanced composition, ideal for collectors of contemporary Japanese printmaking, abstract etching, and museum-quality works on paper.

Artwork Description

“Maelstrom II” represents Miki Nagano’s early New York period, a fertile era of experimentation and refinement in her etching practice. The composition centers on a dramatic sweeping vortex, formed from meticulously carved and etched plate shapes that interlock to create a sense of rotation and forward force. Each band of line and tone contributes to the overall sense of spiraling energy, while slender highlights and pale passages mimic flashes of light cutting through motion.

Nagano’s technical sophistication is evident in her controlled use of intaglio plate tone, her integrated multi-plate construction, and her disciplined yet expressive wiping. This creates a three-dimensional effect—almost sculptural—within the etched surface. The deep greens and grayed neutrals lend the piece a natural, organic resonance, evoking water, wind, or the unseen forces that animate the natural world.

Signed and numbered 14/100, this impression shows strong plate definition, clean margins, and excellent tonal clarity. It is a quintessential example of Nagano’s lifelong exploration of motion, atmosphere, and the fluidity of natural forms.

ARTIST BIOGRAPHY — MIKI NAGANO

Miki Nagano (Born in Furukawa, Japan) is a master printmaker whose artistic career spans over four decades and bridges the cultural and technical traditions of Japan and the United States. She earned both her BFA (1976) and MFA (1978) in Printmaking from Tama Art University in Tokyo—one of Japan’s most prestigious art academies—before relocating to the United States to pursue advanced printmaking training. From 1978–1984 she completed postgraduate studies at the Philadelphia College of Art, the Pratt Graphics Center, and the legendary Printmaking Workshop in New York, where she refined her etching, aquatint, monotype, and multi-plate processes.

Nagano’s work is defined by layered abstraction, atmospheric tonal shifts, and a poetic dialogue between natural forms and emotional landscape. Her compositions often evoke wind currents, geological strata, drifting light, and the quiet interplay of control and spontaneity. Her technical mastery of intaglio—combined with a subtle, meditative aesthetic rooted in Japanese visual philosophy—has made her a respected figure in international contemporary printmaking.

Nagano has exhibited widely for nearly fifty years, with solo exhibitions in Tokyo, New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey, and at multiple gallery institutions including Tenri Gallery, NY Coo Gallery, and the Ai Gallery (Tokyo, 1977). Her work has been featured in major group exhibitions across Japan, the U.S., Europe, and South America, including:

  • The Boston Printmakers

  • The Society of American Graphic Artists (SAGA)

  • The American Color Print Society

  • The Japanese American Artists Association

  • International mini print and biennial exhibitions in Spain, Brazil, Taiwan, and Japan

Her long exhibition record spans from early participation in the Japan Print Association Shows (1976, 1985) to contemporary showcases through 2024 and 2025, demonstrating a sustained and active printmaking career.

Miki Nagano has received numerous prestigious awards, including:

  • Jerome Foundation Award, Printmaking Workshop, New York (1982)

  • Otis Philbrick Memorial Purchase Prize, The Boston Printmakers (1985)

  • IBERICA Award, NY Coo Gallery Open Art Contest (2009)

  • Stan Cluck Memorial Award, American Color Print Society (2013)

  • Second Juror’s Award, American Color Print Society (2015)

  • Michael Lasuchin Award, American Color Print Society (2021)

  • The “In Memory of Gertrude Pherdt” Award, Society of American Graphic Artists (2023)

Her work is held in major museum and institutional collections, including:

  • Brooklyn Museum, New York

  • Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

  • Portland Art Museum, Oregon

  • New York Public Library

  • Free Library of Philadelphia

  • Boston Public Library

  • The World Bank, Washington, D.C.

  • Tama Art University, Tokyo

  • Corporate collections such as AT&T, United Litho, and numerous private collections worldwide

Nagano is a longtime member of the Society of American Graphic Artists, The Boston Printmakers, and the American Color Print Society, and since 2006 has served on the board of the Tama Art University Alumni Association, New York Club. She continues to work and teach in the United States, contributing significantly to contemporary printmaking culture through her exhibitions, mentorship, and technical innovation.

Today, Miki Nagano is recognized as a luminary in international printmaking, celebrated for her atmospheric etchings, her unique synthesis of Japanese and American influences, and her lifelong commitment to the art of the printed image.

Miki Nagano, “Maelstrom II,” 1980. Etching, 28x22 in., signed and numbered 14/100. Dynamic swirling abstraction in deep tonal strata; excellent impression.

CERTIFICATE OF VALUE & AUTHENTICATION
Artist: Miki Nagano
Title:Maelstrom II
Date: 1980
Medium: Hand-pulled Etching
Edition: 14/100 (Signed & Numbered)
Dimensions: 28 x 22 inches
Authenticity: Guaranteed original etching executed, signed, and numbered by the artist.
Condition: Excellent; strong impression; clean margins; superb tonal modulation.
Provenance: Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC
Prepared For: Insurance, appraisal, and gallery documentation

Provenance Chain

  1. Artist: Miki Nagano

  2. Early private collection

  3. Secondary market

  4. Current Owner: Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC

“Maelstrom II,” Miki Nagano’s 1980 hand-pulled etching (28x22), signed and numbered 14/100, a dynamic abstraction of swirling line, motion, and depth.

“Maelstrom II” (1980) is a striking hand-pulled etching by renowned Japanese printmaker Miki Nagano, showcasing her signature mastery of layered abstraction and atmospheric motion. This limited-edition impression, signed and numbered 14/100, measures 28 x 22 inches and exemplifies Nagano’s ability to transform natural forces into rhythmic, sculptural visual form. In this work, sweeping arcs and interwoven linear strata evoke spiraling currents, wind-driven flow, or the vortex-like pull of a maelstrom—rendered with exceptional precision and tonal sensitivity.

Through complex intaglio techniques—multiple plates, selective wiping, and fine modulated textures—Nagano creates a sense of movement that feels both powerful and contemplative. The rich interplay of deep green, graphite grey, and soft mineral-white creates a dynamic yet balanced composition, ideal for collectors of contemporary Japanese printmaking, abstract etching, and museum-quality works on paper.

Artwork Description

“Maelstrom II” represents Miki Nagano’s early New York period, a fertile era of experimentation and refinement in her etching practice. The composition centers on a dramatic sweeping vortex, formed from meticulously carved and etched plate shapes that interlock to create a sense of rotation and forward force. Each band of line and tone contributes to the overall sense of spiraling energy, while slender highlights and pale passages mimic flashes of light cutting through motion.

Nagano’s technical sophistication is evident in her controlled use of intaglio plate tone, her integrated multi-plate construction, and her disciplined yet expressive wiping. This creates a three-dimensional effect—almost sculptural—within the etched surface. The deep greens and grayed neutrals lend the piece a natural, organic resonance, evoking water, wind, or the unseen forces that animate the natural world.

Signed and numbered 14/100, this impression shows strong plate definition, clean margins, and excellent tonal clarity. It is a quintessential example of Nagano’s lifelong exploration of motion, atmosphere, and the fluidity of natural forms.

ARTIST BIOGRAPHY — MIKI NAGANO

Miki Nagano (Born in Furukawa, Japan) is a master printmaker whose artistic career spans over four decades and bridges the cultural and technical traditions of Japan and the United States. She earned both her BFA (1976) and MFA (1978) in Printmaking from Tama Art University in Tokyo—one of Japan’s most prestigious art academies—before relocating to the United States to pursue advanced printmaking training. From 1978–1984 she completed postgraduate studies at the Philadelphia College of Art, the Pratt Graphics Center, and the legendary Printmaking Workshop in New York, where she refined her etching, aquatint, monotype, and multi-plate processes.

Nagano’s work is defined by layered abstraction, atmospheric tonal shifts, and a poetic dialogue between natural forms and emotional landscape. Her compositions often evoke wind currents, geological strata, drifting light, and the quiet interplay of control and spontaneity. Her technical mastery of intaglio—combined with a subtle, meditative aesthetic rooted in Japanese visual philosophy—has made her a respected figure in international contemporary printmaking.

Nagano has exhibited widely for nearly fifty years, with solo exhibitions in Tokyo, New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey, and at multiple gallery institutions including Tenri Gallery, NY Coo Gallery, and the Ai Gallery (Tokyo, 1977). Her work has been featured in major group exhibitions across Japan, the U.S., Europe, and South America, including:

  • The Boston Printmakers

  • The Society of American Graphic Artists (SAGA)

  • The American Color Print Society

  • The Japanese American Artists Association

  • International mini print and biennial exhibitions in Spain, Brazil, Taiwan, and Japan

Her long exhibition record spans from early participation in the Japan Print Association Shows (1976, 1985) to contemporary showcases through 2024 and 2025, demonstrating a sustained and active printmaking career.

Miki Nagano has received numerous prestigious awards, including:

  • Jerome Foundation Award, Printmaking Workshop, New York (1982)

  • Otis Philbrick Memorial Purchase Prize, The Boston Printmakers (1985)

  • IBERICA Award, NY Coo Gallery Open Art Contest (2009)

  • Stan Cluck Memorial Award, American Color Print Society (2013)

  • Second Juror’s Award, American Color Print Society (2015)

  • Michael Lasuchin Award, American Color Print Society (2021)

  • The “In Memory of Gertrude Pherdt” Award, Society of American Graphic Artists (2023)

Her work is held in major museum and institutional collections, including:

  • Brooklyn Museum, New York

  • Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

  • Portland Art Museum, Oregon

  • New York Public Library

  • Free Library of Philadelphia

  • Boston Public Library

  • The World Bank, Washington, D.C.

  • Tama Art University, Tokyo

  • Corporate collections such as AT&T, United Litho, and numerous private collections worldwide

Nagano is a longtime member of the Society of American Graphic Artists, The Boston Printmakers, and the American Color Print Society, and since 2006 has served on the board of the Tama Art University Alumni Association, New York Club. She continues to work and teach in the United States, contributing significantly to contemporary printmaking culture through her exhibitions, mentorship, and technical innovation.

Today, Miki Nagano is recognized as a luminary in international printmaking, celebrated for her atmospheric etchings, her unique synthesis of Japanese and American influences, and her lifelong commitment to the art of the printed image.

Miki Nagano, “Maelstrom II,” 1980. Etching, 28x22 in., signed and numbered 14/100. Dynamic swirling abstraction in deep tonal strata; excellent impression.

CERTIFICATE OF VALUE & AUTHENTICATION
Artist: Miki Nagano
Title:Maelstrom II
Date: 1980
Medium: Hand-pulled Etching
Edition: 14/100 (Signed & Numbered)
Dimensions: 28 x 22 inches
Authenticity: Guaranteed original etching executed, signed, and numbered by the artist.
Condition: Excellent; strong impression; clean margins; superb tonal modulation.
Provenance: Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC
Prepared For: Insurance, appraisal, and gallery documentation

Provenance Chain

  1. Artist: Miki Nagano

  2. Early private collection

  3. Secondary market

  4. Current Owner: Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC

AWARDS:

2023 The “In Meory of Gertrude Pherdt, a Beloved Teacher” Award, Society of American Graphic Artists, The Old Print Shop, New York
2021 Third Michael Lasuchin Award, American Color Print Society. Mary R. Koch ARTS Center, Wichita, Kansas
2015 Second Juror's Award, American Color Print Society. Plastoc Club, Philadelphia, PA
2014 Third Honorable Mention , American Color Print Society 75th Show, PA
2013 The Stan Cluck Memorial Award for a Monoprint, American Color Print Society Show, PA
2009 “ NY Coo Gallery Open Art Contest” IBERICA Award, New York
1985 Otis Philbrick Memorial Purchase Prize /The Boston Printmakers, The Duxbury Art Complex Museum, MA
1982 Jerome Foundation Award, Printmaking Workshop, New York

COLLECTIONS:

Brooklyn Museum, New York

Library of Congress, Washington D.C.

Portland Art Museum, Portland, Oregon

New York Public Library, NY

Free Library of Philadelphia, PA

The World Bank, Washington D.C

Boston Library, MA

Newark Public Library, NJ

United Litho, Somerville, MA

AT & T, Chicago, IL

Tama Art University, Tokyo, Japan

Private Collections

Year

SOLO SHOWS:

2022

"Solo Show " Home Away From Home XVIII, Tenri Gallery, New York

2018

"Light and Distance: The Ridgewood Public Library, Ridgewood, NJ

2014

"Layers of Color" NY Coo Gallery, New York

2010

"Work on Paper : OVED & OVED ART GALLERY, New York

2009

"Control and Spontaneity" : The Ridgewood Public Library, Ridgewood, NJ

1977

Solo Show, Ai Gallery, Tokyo, Japan

Year

SELECTED EXHIBITIONS:

2025

3rd Annual Mini Gems, Saga Gallery, New York, NY

2024

Society of American Graphic Artists 89th Members Exhibition, The Arts Center at Governors Island, New York
Small Artwork Show Vol. 5, Studio 34, Queens, NY
Home Away From Home XX, Tenri Gallery, New York, NY
SJAC 2024 Exhibition at Max Gallery, New York, NY
Small Artwork Show Vol.5 Shoshinkan Gallery, Nagano, Japan
The 28th Japanese and Japanese American Artists Exhibition at JAA Gallery, New York, NY
NY CONNECTION 2024, SIACCA Gallery, Tokyo, Japan

2023

Forth Annual Exhibition, PRINTS ON B’DWAY, Gallery Max New York, NY

ACPS Annual Fall Exhibition, The Plastic Club, Philadelphia, PA                     

SAGA’s 88th Annual Members Exhibition, The Old Print Shop, New York

19th Home Away From Home Exhibition, Tenri Gallery, New York

2nd Annual "Mini Gems" a National Mini Print Exhibition, SAGA Gallery, New York, NY

SJAC 2023 Exhibition, Max Gallery, New York

Japanese American Artists' Exhibition, Japanese American Association of New York, NY

NY CONNECTION 2023, SIACCA Gallery, Tokyo, Japan

2022

Third Annual Exhibition, PRINTS ON B’DWAY, Gallery Max New York, New York

SAGA’s Installation at The Gallery at The Met Store

SAGA’s 87th Annual Members Exhibition, The Salmagundi Club, New York

18th Home Away From Home Exhibition, Tenri Gallery, New York

"Mini Gems" a National Mini Print Exhibition, SAGA Gallery, New York, NY

SJAC 2022 Exhibition, Tenri Gallery, New York

Japanese American Artists' Exhibition, Japanese American Association of New York, NY

Transitions Exhibition, 3rd Biennial Print Celebration, Cheltenham Center for the Arts, PA

2021

ACPS Annual Members Exhibition, The Plastic Club. Philadelphia, PA

"Small Art Show" vol 4: Figureworks Gallery, Brooklyn, New York

17th Home Away From Home Exhibition, Tenri Gallery, New York

American Color Print Society. Mary R. Koch ARTS Center, Wichita, Kansas

SJAC 2021 Exhibition, Tenri Gallery, New York

Japanese American Artists' Exhibition, Japanese American Association of New York, NY

"Prints 2021" National Juried Print Show, BWAC, Brooklyn, New York

SAGA 86TH Members' Print Exhibition, Providence Art Club, Providence, RI

"CONNECT: The Boston Printmakers Traveling Members Show 2021-2023

2020

ACPS Annual Fall Members Online Exhibition at The Plastic Club website. Philadelphia, PA

"Small Art Show" vol 4: Gallery Shoshinkan, Nagano, Japan

16th Home Away From Home Exhibition, Tenri Gallery, New York

American Color Print Society Members' Exhibition, Abington Art Center, Jenkintown, PA

2019

Society of American Graphic Artists 85th Members Print Exhibition, Newark Public Library, Newark, NJ

Print Explosion A Biennial Celebration, Cheltenham Center for the Arts, Cheltenham, PA

15th Home Away From Home Exhibition, Tenri Gallery, New York

24th Japanese American Artists' Exhibition, JAA of New York, NY

2018

SJAC 2018 Exhibition, Gallery Max New York, New York

14th Home Away From Home Exhibition, Tenri Gallery, New York

23rd Japanese American Artists' Exhibition, JAA of New York, NY

2017

Society of Japanese and American Creators Exhibition, Gallery Max New York, New York

"Cerebrating Seventy Years" Boston Printmakers Exhibition, Cotuit Center for the Arts, Cotuit, MA

13th Home Away From Home Exhibition, Tenri Gallery, New York

22nd Japanese American Artists' Exhibition, JAA of New York, NY

"Seven Currents " b-stile Maihama, Chiba, Japan

American Color Print Society Members' Exhibition, Plastic Club, Philadelphia, PA

"Small Art Show" vol 3: Studio 34, Queens, NY

"Small Art Show" vol 3: Gallery Shoshinkan, Nagano, Japan

2016

"State of Mind" Boston Printmakers Members' Exhibition, Lamont Gallery, Exeter, NH

12th Home Away From Home Exhibition, Tenri Gallery, New York

21st Japanese American Artists' Exhibition, JAA of New York, NY

"Now and theN" Studio34, Queens, New York

American Color Print Society Members' Winter Exhibition, Haverford College, PA

2015

100th Anniversary Exhibition-Society of American Graphic Artists, The Art Students League, New York

11th Home Away From Home Exhibition, Tenri Gallery, New York

American Color Print Society, Plastic Club, Philadelphia, PA

"Small Art Show" vol 2: Studio 34, Queens, NY

"Small Art Show" vol 1: Gallery Shoshinkan, Nagano, Japan

2014

American Color Print Society "75th Anniversary Exhibition" Plastic Club, Philadelphia, PA

10th HAFH Exhibition, Tenri Gallery, New York

Society of American Graphic Artists exhibition, The Old Print Shop, New York

2013

9th Home Away From Home Exhibition, Tenri Gallery, New York

"Salon 561 Annual Faculty Exhibition" The Art School at Old Church, Demarest, NJ

TASOC Faclity Show, Belskie Museum, Closter, NJ

American Color Print Society "Spring Members Exhibition"Abington Art Center, Philadelphia, PA

2012

"Salon 561 Annual Faculty Exhibition" The Art School at Old Church, Demarest, NJ

Society of American Graphic Artists Show at Old Print Shop, New York

America Color Print Society "Spring Members Exhibition" Chestnut Hill Gallery, Philadelphia, PA

8th Home Away From Home Exhibition, Tenri Gallery, New York

2011

7th Home Away From Home Exhibition, Hammond Museum, North Salem New York

Visions in Print, Allegra LaViola Gallery, New York

International Exhibition of Contemporary Works on Paper, NY Coo Gallery, New York

6th Home Away From Home Exhibition: Emaki for Tomorrow, NY Coo Gallery, New York

2010

New York Society of Etchers 10th Anniversary Exhibition, National Arts Club

ART ON PAPER, Monmouth Museum, Lincroft, NJ

Dark Vision in Print and Other Images, Sacred Gallery, New York

Boston Printmakers “Think”, Boston, MA

71st National Open Print Exhibition, Plastic Club, PhiladelphiaAmerican Color Print Society 72nd Members’ Exhibition, The Chestnut Hill Gallery, Philadelphia

2009-2007

2009

“An Exhibition of Selected Works” NY Coo Gallery Open Art Contest, New York, NY

5th Home Away From Home Exhibition, NY Coo Gallery, New York, NY 

“Field Reports” The Boston Printmakers Show, Ponoma, CA

2008

American Color Print Society Members Exhibition, Free Library of Philadelphia, PA

Society of American Graphic Artists at Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens, FL

“Field Report“ Boston Print Makers show, Brickbottom Gallery, Somerville, MA

66th Members Exhibition of the American Color Print society, Free Library of Philadelphia, PA

 4th Home Away From Home Exhibition, Miwa & Alex Salon, New York, NY

2007

Society of American Graphic Artists 74th Members Show at the Old Print Shop, New York

63rd National Open Print Exhibition, Cheltenham Art Center, Cheltenham, PA

NY The Flat File Show, Maxwell Fine Arts, Peekskill, NY

MCAC 28th Annual Juried Art Show, Monmouth Museum, Lincroft, NJ

Open Studio Tour by Ridgewood Library Foundation, Ridgewood, NJ

2006

3rd Home Away From Home at the 10th DUMBO Art Fesitival, Brooklyn, NY

91st National SAGA membership Exhibition at the Ringling School of Art and Design, FL

2005

Winter Print Salon 2005, The Garage, Brooklyn, NY

2nd Home Away From Home Exhibition, Miwa & Alex Salon, New York

A Survey of Comtemporary Printmaking, Studio12N@resolution, NYC

Saga 90th Anniversary Show, Art Student League, NYC

2004

1st Home Away From Home Exhibition, Consulate General of Japan, New York

SAGA 70th National Juried Exhibition, Susan Teller Gallery, NYC

MOMENTUM: The Blackburn Printmaking Workshop Exhibition, EFA Studio Center, NYC

2003

Printmaking Now, Westchester Gallery, White Plains, NY

2002

SAGA 69th Juried Print Show, The Art Students League of NY

2001

International Works on Paper Show, SOHO 20 Gallery, NYC

1990

Print Composition 1990, Tama Art University, Tokyo

1988

Four Printmakers, Shoestring Gallery, Rochester, NY

1987

International Biennial Print Exhibit: 1987, ROC, Taipei Museum

1986

The 161st Annual Exhibition National Academy of Design, NYC

1985

Hanga 1985, Japan Print Association, Metropolitan Museum, Tokyo

1984

The Print Club Show, Philadelphia, PA

Ibiza Graphic 1984, Museo de Arte Contemporaneo, Ibiza, Spain

1983

Mini Print International, Cadaques, Spain

Cabofrio International Print Biennieal, Brazil

9th International Miniature Print Show, Pratt Graphics Center, NYC

1978

The Five Colleges of Art, Metropolitan Museum, Tokyo, Japan

1976

Japan Print Association Show, Metropolitan Museum, Tokyo

1975

Two Women Show, Sanbangai Gallery, Tokyo, Japan

MEMBERSHIP:

Brooklyn Museum Artist Member - since 2015

Society of American Graphic Artist and Boston Printmakers - since 1985 to present. American Color Print Society -Since 2007 to present

Board member - Tama Art University Alumni Association New York Club -Since 2006 to present

EDUCATION:

MFA-1978, BFA-1976 Tama Art University, Printmaking, Tokyo, Japan
POST GRADUATE STUDY IN PRINTMAKING
1980-1984 Printmaking Workshop, New York
1979-1983 Pratt Institute, Pratt Graphics Center, New York
1978-1979 Philadelphia college of Art, Philadelphia

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