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Spanning four decades of work, this book offers readers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the personal and creative world of the Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara, best known for his bold images of children with large heads and wide eyes that challenge viewers with their direct gaze and defiant stance. These captivating yet ominous characters are part of a wider visual vocabulary established by Nara to explore and communicate themes of home, isolation, resilience, belonging, regeneration, hope and freedom. Organized thematically, the book provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution and breadth of Nara's artistic expression. Yeewan Koon explores how Nara's singular aesthetic is drawn from his formative experiences in Japan, as well as his ongoing environmental and societal concerns, which are deeply rooted in nature and the communities of Japan's northern Tohoku region, where he grew up. Barry Schwabsky's essay, illustrated with details of the artworks, focuses in depth on Nara as a painter. Josh Ku

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