There are a lot of "c" words to describe Yoshitomo Nara's work: Cute. Cuddly. Childlike.
You've probably already seen the manga and punk music-inspired works by the Japanese Neo Pop artist without even realizing it - on the cover of a journal, maybe, or a post card. His unofficial trademark is that
sullen, angry girl in red glaring up at you.
Now, you can see his pieces in life-size, thanks to "
Nobody's Fool," an exhibit spanning his nearly 30-year career currently on view at the Asia Society Museum.
It speaks volumes that Nara's work is accessible enough to print on the cover of a diary and also grace the white walls of a gallery. They're more than just precious pieces of children and animals, but edgy, emotional, intimate paintings that speak to
isolation and
rebellion, offering surprising depth.
Nearly 200 of Nara's works are on view throughout the entire gallery - which marks the first time the Asia Society has given its entire museum to one artist - from drawings and paintings to sculptures and installations. The show also puts many of his pieces on display for the first time in the United States. That's pretty cool.
