Kinji Akagawa

Image of Kinji Akagawa in front of his hand plane collection.

Kinji Akagawa is an American sculptor, printmaker, and arts educator best known for sculptural constructions that also serve a practical function. A pioneer in the public art movement, Akagawa has throughout his career examined the relationship between art and community, most notably the concept of art as a process of inquiry. His sculpture and public artworks are noted for their refined elegance and use of natural materials, such as granite, basalt, field stone, cedar, and ipe wood.

For more than 35 years, MCAD Professor and alumnus Kinji Akagawa has made a direct and personal impact on the lives of thousands of students. He has received commissions for site-specific installations in parks and public spaces in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Texas; his work is also included in numerous private and public collections, including the Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. In recognition of his influence and accomplishments as an artist, educator, and community arts advocate, Kinji received in 2OO7 the McKnight Foundation Distinguished Artist Award.

Akagawa (b. 1940, Tokyo, Japan) lives in Afton, MN.


Available Prints