Yoshitomo Nara：The Beginning Place

This beautifully curated book accompanies the solo exhibition Yoshitomo Nara: The Beginning Place held at the Aomori Museum of Art from October 14, 2023 to February 25, 2024.

Tracing the arc of Nara’s life and career—from his early student works to his most recent creations—this richly illustrated volume explores the personal and cultural roots that have shaped one of Japan’s most beloved contemporary artists. Alongside artworks, you'll find photographs of objects in his studio, cherished vinyl records, and scenes from the places and moments that have defined his journey—from his birthplace of Hirosaki, Aomori in 1959 to the present day.

Organized around five themes—Home, Layers of Time and Space, Journey, No War, and the Rock Café “33 1/3”—the book reveals the emotional and philosophical foundations of Nara’s world. It includes high-quality exhibition views, artwork images, a detailed chronology of Nara’s life, and thoughtful essays by leading scholars and critics.

Features:

• Contributions by Masahito Gōda (philosopher), Josh Kun (music critic), and Shigemi Takahashi (Aomori Museum of Art)

• Bilingual text (Japanese and English)

• Thoughtfully designed by Yūri Suyama

• Includes rare insights into Nara’s private collections and inspirations

• Ideal for fans of contemporary art, Japanese culture, and collectors alike

Yoshitomo Nara

yoshitomonara.com

1959 - Born in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture.
1989 - MFA from Aichi Prefectural University of Fine Arts and Music
1988 - Moved to Germany to study at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf and studied under A.R. Penck and received the Meisterschueler.
1994-2000 - Works from his studio in Cologne, Germany
2000 - Moved to Japan

In 1999, he gained recognition as a prominent figure in contemporary art, with pieces housed in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles. He is renowned for his drawings and acrylic paintings featuring a figure in a distinct turned-around pose.