Surreal Big-Headed Dolls: Unique Art in the 2017 New Solo Exhibition by Yoshitomo Nara

Text / MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Department     Images / YOSHITOMO NARA

The active Japanese contemporary artist Yoshitomo Nara has just held his Thinker solo exhibition in New York, and is now set to launch his new solo exhibition “for better or worse” in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Nara’s creations, characterized by their bold and distinctive artistic style, have attracted a large number of loyal followers. This new solo exhibition will be held from July 15 to September 24 at the Sakata City Museum of Art, showcasing works created by Nara between 1987 and 2017. Travelers who enjoy Yoshitomo Nara or surrealist art may want to plan an art-themed trip.

Influenced by the style of children’s book illustrations, Nara’s portrait works all feature disproportionately large heads. These child-like paintings often display tense expressions, conveying attitudes of rebellion and cynicism that resonate with his love for punk rock culture.

His creations span various media, from canvas and sculpture to postcards. For him, the type of exhibition or the size of the space isn’t so important—what matters is whether his feelings connect with the environment. When creating, Nara emphasizes a spiritual connection; his paintings are expressions of color, infusing vitality into the images and constructing the depth he values. He is undoubtedly one of the significant creators of contemporary art in the 1990s.

【Info】
Yoshitomo Nara “for better or worse”
Venue: Sakata City Museum of Art (8-5-1 Kosakaboncho, Sakata, Aichi)
Dates: July 15 – September 24, 2017
Hours: 10:00 – 17:30 (last entry at 17:00)
Closed: Mondays (except July 17, August 14, and September 18)