Skip to product information
1 of 1

Yoshitomo Nara, Marching on a Butterbur Leaf, 2020

Offset lithograph

Open edition

45.7 x 61 cm | 17.99 x 24.02 in

Pristine condition 

 

Born 1959 in Aomori prefecture. In 1987, completed master’s degree program at Aichi University of the Arts. Moved to Germany in 1988 and enrolled at Kunstakademie Düsseldorf. After residing in Cologne, repatriated to Japan in 2000. Has exhibited in various places in Europe, the United States, Japan, and Asia since the late 1990s. Known for powerful portraits with eyes that gaze back at the viewer; drawing works produced daily; three-dimensional works in wood, FRP, ceramic, and bronze; and installations of little houses.

The figures in Nara’s paintings are the result of the artist facing the deepest part of his soul; with color and composition based in painting theory, repeatedly layering and erasing color from the canvas, so that what remains in the end is only the most earnest part that could not be pared away. In contrast, his drawings are distanced from theory. Using materials with which he feels a familiarity, such as torn-off note paper or used envelopes, he bares his emotions and thoughts. In his three-dimensional works, for which he has varied his media over the years, Nara gives familiar items new life through a meditative dialogue with the materials. His photography has begun to have fully-fledged presentations in recent years. For these photographic works, he discovers raw beauty in everyday landscapes and moments from his work or travels that could easily be overlooked, and records them as something precious.

Nara’s works contain everything that he encompasses. Memories etched into the depths of his soul; and the music, paintings, literature he encountered organically by following his curiosity, that inspired his spirit and sensibilities — these are all accumulated in countless layers. For example, he has been greatly influenced by the music he began listening to at 9 years old. Most of it was in a foreign language, but young Nara used his imagination to overcome the language barrier. He recreated the landscape of the music within himself using the record jackets, and sought to understand the piece as if he himself lived in that world.

Nara creates his works directly and freely, bound by nothing. These works transcend barriers of language, cultural backgrounds, and eras; they are beloved by many people. The artist confronts the true essence of people and things, and is invariably honest; resulting in works that are like mirrors that reflect the viewers’ hearts back to them. In recent years, he has actively sent out his message on Twitter and Instagram, and regardless of where he may be in the world, he is connected with his friends in real time. And Nara is a traveler, in the truest sense of the word. At times he sets out on a voyage seeking his own roots. At other times, feeling a strong attraction to the spark of cultures that have persisted through the trials and tribulations of history, he visits and explores their lands. Treasuring the human relationships he has built through these encounters, he visits all kinds of places without being confined to the paradigm of art; like a traveling bard, he creates and presents his work for friends across the world.

Regular price $745.00
Regular price Sale price $745.00
Sale Sold out
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

0% Finance Options

Spread the Cost of Your Art Collection with 0% Finance

At Smolensky Gallery we make art accessible to everyone. We offer an interest free* finance option to our UK customers, for many of the artworks we sell. Spread the cost of the art you love, over 10 or 20 months.

To apply, call us and we'll arrange your finance application for you:

+44 (0)7799 165062

(Lines open Monday to Sunday 10:00am to 8:00pm).

Framing

Looking to add a frame?

Many of the pieces at Smolensky Gallery have the option to add a hand-crafted frame.

Our Framing Service

Our experts will cut, join and assemble each frame by hand to the exact dimensions of your artwork, creating your perfect finished work of art, ready to hang on your wall.

Need Advice?

Some of our framing options may be more suitable for your artwork than others. For expert advice on the best way to frame, give us a call:

+44 (0)7799 165062
(Lines open Mon to Sun 10:00am to 8:00pm)

Your Framing Options

Box framing is provided with all our online framing, creating a distance between the glass and your artwork, so no risk of ink transfer to the pane. it's the perfect, gallery grade choice for limited edition prints or original artworks.

Shadow float mounting is an option at our website, to give the appearance of an artwork floating within the frame. The mount – an archival foam core – creates depth too, by casting a shadow beneath the artwork. We highly recommend using a float mount when framing artwork with deckled (hand-torn) edges.

As always, all our materials are sustainable and archival to keep your artwork in mint condition and perfectly presented. Simply choose from our white or black float framing options, before adding to basket.

Glazing all our framing orders are shipped with glass. We take great care with packaging to protect your artwork.

Alternatively, for added piece of mind, we've the option of gallery grade cast acrylic, offering superb clarity and protection.

If you would prefer acrylic or other options such as ornate frames or UV protection, please call our gallery team on +44 (0)7799 165062 for a quote, or message us at the bottom right of this page.

Shipping

All orders are processed within 3-5 business days. Orders are not shipped or delivered on weekends or holidays.
If we are experiencing a high volume of orders, shipments may be delayed by a few days. Please allow additional days in transit for delivery. If there will be significant delay in shipment of your order, we will contact you via email or telephone.
Shipping rates and dates will be estimated at time of order.

View full details