Yoshitomo Nara, a name that now rings out in the art world, wasn’t always in the spotlight. Known for his bold, cartoonish images of children with large heads and expressive eyes, Nara’s work swings between menacing and melancholic, defiant and calm. His characters—kids, animals, and hybrids—are reflections of himself, capturing his innermost thoughts and emotions. Rooted in childhood memories, a love for music and literature, and enriched by his travels, Nara’s creations ooze humanism.
At the Guggenheim Bilbao, a mid-career survey of Nara’s work takes center stage. One standout piece, My Drawing Room (2008), is a tiny house-like installation replicating his studio, complete with a playlist of his favorite tunes. This exhibit, curated with a loose chronological touch, showcases his evolution from the rough, dynamic brushstrokes of the late ‘80s to the sentimental tones of his recent work, like Midnight Tears (2023).
Among the gems is a striking drawing of a blank-faced girl with a gun and the text, “I am Right wing, I am Left wing!” capturing the political tension of our times. Nara comments on Japan’s growing fears of weakness amid rising nationalism, echoing broader geopolitical shifts.
Pace Gallery in Geneva highlighted Nara’s drawings from 1988–2023 last year, a testament to his enduring appeal. His market value hit new heights with Knife Behind Back (2000) fetching over HK$195 million at Sotheby’s in 2019, and Wish World Peace (2014) surpassing estimates at Christie’s in 2022.
The exhibition is on view through November 3, 2024.Head to Guggenheim Bilbao’s website for more information.
Guggenheim Bilbao
Abandoibarra Etorb., 2,
Abando, 48009 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain
