The first solo exhibition of world-renowned artist, Yoshitomo Nara has opened at the Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA).
According to the Gallery, Yoshitomo Nara is one of the world’s most popular contemporary artists who is known for his distinctive style and paintings of sweetly subversive child-like figures.
The free exhibition, Reach Out to The Moon, Even If We Can’t, presents major sculptural works alongside paintings, drawings, ceramics, and photography.
Dramatically displayed in the AGWA’s largest gallery, the sculptural works form a series of interrelated islands that span a range of feelings, offering visitors a poetic, reflective and ultimately hopeful experience.
Spanning 2011-to-2022, the exhibition gives Australian audiences access to key works from Nara’s recent output.
The Gallery said this is a time in which Mr Nara has been processing the devastating impact of the Fukushima disaster of 11 March 2011, which saw his hometown region hit by the combined effects of an earthquake, tsunami and nuclear reactor breakdown.
Greatly affected by the disaster, Mr Nara was unable to make art but found the way back to his practice through working with sculptural forms.
Minister for Culture and the Arts, David Templeman said Reach Out to The Moon, Even If We Can’t was part of the AGWA’s continuing commitment to enrich and deepen WA’s connections with contemporary art practices and cultural thinking in Asia.
“As we continue to re-engage with our Asian neighbours after the challenges of the global pandemic, it is wonderful to see such high-quality content on display here in our State gallery,” Mr Templeman said.
“Reach Out to The Moon, Even If We Can’t has been eagerly anticipated by fans and aficionados since its announcement earlier this year.”
The free exhibition is to run until 25 June.
