Sanctuary at Western Sunset

Tom Nakashima, Sanctuary at Western Sunset, 1992, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Gail and John Enns, 2008.38
Copied Tom Nakashima, Sanctuary at Western Sunset, 1992, oil on canvas, 101 1⁄2 x 120 3⁄8 in. (257.9 x 305.9 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Gail and John Enns, 2008.38

Artwork Details

Title
Sanctuary at Western Sunset
Artist
Date
1992
Location
Dimensions
101 1⁄2 x 120 3⁄8 in. (257.9 x 305.9 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Gail and John Enns
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on canvas
Classifications
Highlights
Subjects
  • Animal — fish
  • Architecture Exterior
Object Number
2008.38
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/2008.38

Artwork Description

The translucent fish swimming to the center of this painting is a self-portrait of the artist. Adopted by Tom Nakashima as a symbol of fluidity, it represents his journey through life. In many of his works, he uses this animal's associations with Christianity and Asian cultures to explore his Japanese American heritage.

The fish approaches the threshold of a large chapel, a place of refuge inspired by the Arena Chapel in Padua, Italy, decorated with religious-themed frescoes by Giotto, a famous fourteenth-century Italian painter. For Nakashima, his structure serves as a path to Japan and represents safe passage across landscapes, times, and cultures.

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