Thirty years after Yoshitomo Nara rocketed to fame with his paintings of sinister figures, the artist has developed his practice to reflect his unique, empathic eye. This book presents the full range of Nara's work. Along with his most recognizable pieces, such as his ubiquitous portraits of wide-eyed figures on monochromatic backgrounds, readers will discover his earliest paintings, sketched on surfaces ranging from envelopes to cardboard made during his time in Germany, as well as an installation that recreates his drawing studio. His most recent works are also represented, including his large-scale bronze and ceramic figurines and portraits made following the 2011 earthquake that devastated Japan. Comparing and contrasting these pieces through Nara’s distinctive musical lens, the catalogue also features "liner notes" written by the artist about various albums in his personal collection, published in English for the first time. Viewers will see the evolution of a dynamic artist who has become more contemplative with age.

Written by Mika Yoshitake and Michael Govan.

Artwork © Yoshitomo Nara

Front cover, clockwise from top left: Miss Forest/Creamy Snow (detail), 2016; My Skull (detail), 2013; Princess of Snooze (detail), 2001; Muñoz's Babies (detail), 1995; In the Deepest Puddle II (detail), 1995; Hard Rain (detail), 2014; Do Not Disturb! (detail), 1996; People on the Cloud (detail), 1989