The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is presenting a monumental exhibition of works by the artist Yoshitomo Nara. For the artist’s first international retrospective, the show at LACMA spans more than 30 years of the artist’s work through the lens of his passion for music. Over 100 creations made between 1984 and 2020—including iconic portraits, sculptures like Miss Forest, and never-before-seen sketches—make up this oeuvre, reflecting Nara’s inner self. The artist’s deep inspirations are seen woven into the works on view, ranging from his memories of his childhood to music and literature, and from studying and living in Germany (from 1988 to 2000) to exploring his roots in Asia.
“Yoshitomo Nara is among the most important Japanese artists of his generation, and one of the most recognized artists working today. We are excited to be organizing this international retrospective,” said Michael Govan, LACMA CEO and Wallis Annenberg Director. “Nara’s art reflects his interest in art and culture of both past and present. His interest in art history—ranging from 12th-century Japanese Buddhist sculptures and handscroll paintings, Italian early-Renaissance painters, and other European modern influences—mirrors LACMA’s encyclopedic nature. Referencing contemporary music and album covers, Nara possesses the unique ability to capture a complexity of emotions that reflects the cultural psyche of the current generation.”
