Yoshitomo Nara
Days 2014-2018 : Sixteen springs and sixteen summers gone - Take your time, it won't be long now
2018
Pigment print, framed, photo book with original slipcase
11 × 11 × 2 cm
Ed. 72/100
Location: Paris, France
About the artwork
This three-dimensional object features a small, irregular form rendered in International Klein Blue (IKB) pigment, affixed to a rectangular panel of gilded bronze. The bronze panel exhibits a textured surface, suggesting the application of gold leaf or a similar gilding technique, which provides a reflective, warm-toned background. The IKB form, characterized by its intense, matte ultramarine hue, stands in stark contrast to the metallic sheen of the bronze. The entire assembly is encased within a clear Plexiglas box, allowing for viewing from multiple angles while protecting the delicate pigment and gilded surface. The dimensions of the piece are compact, designed for display on a flat surface.
Expert opinion
The artwork represents a dialogue between contemporary street art and post-war avant-garde movements, specifically referencing Yves Klein's iconic "Petite Vénus Bleue IKB." By appropriating Klein's signature blue pigment and form, the artist engages with themes of originality, appropriation, and the commercialization of art historical symbols. The market position of this work benefits from both the artist's established presence in contemporary art and the enduring legacy of Yves Klein, appealing to collectors interested in conceptual art and cross-generational artistic commentary. Its edition status makes it accessible to a broader collector base compared to unique works.
About the artist
Yoshitomo Nara is a Japanese painter born in 1959. In his artistic practice, he draws inspiration from three elements that lulled his childhood: solitude, manga and Western music. Introduced to pop art in the 1990s, he joined the Superflat movement with Mukarami and Chiho Aoshima. His works often feature childlike, kawaii figures, marked by dark humor and a certain cynicism. He sometimes places weapons in the hands of the children he depicts, enabling them to defend themselves against dangerous forces. Today, he is the Japanese artist whose work sells at the highest prices, and has been exhibited at MoMA in New York, Galerie Kaikai Kiki in Tokyo and Galerie Blum and Poe in Los Angeles.
Additional info
Framed
Proof of authenticity
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