WHAT

As a major survey exhibition of the Japanese artist, not only is this Yoshitomo Nara’s first solo exhibition in Mainland China and a highlight of ART WEST BUND 2022 SS, but also his first international retrospective. Organized by the Yuz Museum and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the show features over 70 major works, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, installations, and 700 works on paper including never-before-exhibited sketches, comprising a comprehensive overview of the artist’s prolific career spanning over 37 years.

WHY

Internationally-known for his iconic portraits of figures with penetrating gazes who also occasionally wield knives or cigarettes, Nara’s works reflect his raw encounters with his inner self. However, this special exhibition offers even more: curated by Mika Yoshitake, audiences get to view the artist’s work through the lens of his longtime passion: music. From the artist’s earliest allegorical paintings to his more recent portraits, just like music his art combines visuality, emotion, and often text to convey emotional depth – this is certainly one exhibition to catch!