Nathan Kunigami has a mixed cultural background, as he is half Brazilian and half Japanese. A native of Rio de Janeiro, he spent his formative years in this vibrant city. Nathan Kunigami’s love for floral arrangements traces back to his childhood, influenced by his mother’s dedication to studying and practicing Ikebana. His early connection with Japanese culture deepened significantly after his transformative trip to Japan in 2017, when he decided to pursue formal training in Ikebana with a Japanese flower artist in Tokyo.
In 2018, he made a life-altering choice to leave his corporate job and wholeheartedly embrace his passion. During a three-month sabbatical in San Francisco, California, he collaborated with two local flower studios before making the strategic move to Portugal. Establishing his Lisbon-based flower studio, Kokuga, Nathan Kunigami passionately curates floral art pieces. Kokuga’s clientele boasts prestigious names such as Prada, Loewe, Shiseido, Four Seasons Ritz, Moda Lisboa, and more. Serving as Nathan’s tribute to his Japanese heritage, Kokuga embodies his original family name.
Nathan Kunigami from Kokuga Flower Studio will create a site-specific installation, incorporating his floral art pieces throughout the entire space, including some of the displayed furniture. Kunigami will also utilize Prime Matter Gallery as his workshop throughout the exhibition, providing additional opportunities for everyone to witness his creative process and gain a deeper understanding of the art of Ikebana.