Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara’s work belongs to that rare breed that’s both extremely beloved by the general public and all but guaranteed to command high prices at auction. To the delight of his wide swath of fans, his very first solo exhibition at a major institution in the UK is on view now at the Hayward Gallery in London through August 31. Titled simply “Yoshitomo Nara,” it includes more than 150 sculptures, installations, paintings and drawings.
A number of the works are on loan from private collections, letting visitors enjoy pieces seldom seen by the public. The Pop artist is perhaps best known for his childlike characters depicted in a range of emotional states, although they skew toward the rebellious or contemplative. The punk-rock spirit that informs his work also clearly animates his figures.
“I think a lot about nature, people and the world around us,” Nara stated during an exhibition preview, according to ArtNet News. His moody subjects reflect these concerns with their thoughtful eyes and sometimes menacing expressions.
Nara is often overshadowed by his characters. The Hayward offers an intimate look at the artist himself. More than 300 sleeves from Nara’s personal record collection are mounted on one wall, suggesting his relationship to consuming, as well as creating, art. The installation My Drawing Room 2008, Bedroom Included, meanwhile, contains vintage toys, drawings and other ephemera owned by the artist, deepening visitors’ understanding of his inner life. Taken together, the displays present a rich, layered picture of Nara’s distinctive worldview.
