Unforgettable at first sight. Such describes the children and animals that NARA Yoshitomo depicts. They have a variety of expressions- some look defiant and aggressive while others seem melancholic or as if in contemplation. Behind their cute appearance lies the suggestion of a strong will and inexplicable feelings, reminding us of the depth of human psychology in which opposite emotions can coexist, and stimulating our creative imagination.

Having captivated audiences all over the world with various works that include paintings, drawings and large-scale installations, Nara now returns to his roots and opens the door to a new world of his work with the creation of hand-crafted sculptures whose surfaces bare the artist’s own finger imprints.

The title of the exhibition, “a bit like you and me...” was taken from a song by the Beatles, “Nowhereman,” expressing the relationship between the artist and his works and between his works and the viewer, as mentioned in a statement. In a world that is continuously changing on a multitude of levels, something that resonates within people’s hearts, survives for a long time, and is handed down over generations can be described as a universal existence that is “a bit like you and me.” Nara’s works thus far presented as the artist’s alter ego will come face to face with the viewer as a more independent presence, establishing an enduring and empathetic connection with the audience.

This exhibition consists of all new works including paintings, drawings, and large sculptures made of bronze, a material Nara worked with for the first time. It has been 11 years since the Yokohama Museum of Art presented Nara’s first large scale solo show in 2001. This latest exhibition will travel to Aomori and Kumamoto following the Yokohama Museum of Art.

Tours
Aomori Museum of Art 2012.10.6 - 2013.1.14
Contemporary Art Museum, Kumamoto 2013.1.26 - 4.14