Yoshitomo Nara

Dive into the captivating, creative world of the iconic Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara at the Hayward Gallery.

Featuring more than 150 works in drawing, printmaking, painting, sculpture, installation and ceramics, this comprehensive exhibition offers audiences the opportunity to immerse themselves in Nara’s personal and creative worlds.

Celebrated across the globe for his powerful portraits with eyes that gaze back at the viewer, and his drawings that engage with daily experiences, Nara is also known for his wood, fibreglass and ceramic sculptures as well as his installations of little houses.

Nara’s work explores themes of resistance, rebellion, isolation, freedom and spirituality. This thematic exhibition reveals enduring influences on the artist’s work, particularly nature and its mythology, the peace movement, the significance of home, and his love of punk and rock music in popular culture.

This grand exhibition at the Hayward Gallery is an expanded version of the recent touring exhibition from the Guggenheim, Bilbao, and Museum Frieder Burda, Baden-Baden, featuring additional work, including early sculptures and new paintings.

What the critics say:

"...full of punk rock attitude, dark humour and comic book immediacy" ~ The Guardian

"Nara’s play with western pop culture and darker themes like climate change and nuclear war – all packaged up into a deceptively sweet aesthetic – is a true joy to look at. But it’s his painterly skill, when seen up close, which is the real treat." ~ TimeOut

"To spend time with his work is to note the breaking heart in here, and to be reminded of our past little selves. Rediscover punk rock and your inner child at this memorable show." ~ Evening Standard