YOSHITOMO NARA (JAPAN, B.1959)

In 2007, Yoshitomo Nara created a series of hand-painted ceramic plates, many of which centres a little girl. She is often accompanied with forthright manifestos that are child-like and that resemble Rock lyrics. With the fragility and polished white surface of ceramics and the raw emboldened black brushstrokes, the artist created a striking contrast, which in turn echoes the nature of young girls, sensitive on one hand, rebellious and fearless on the other. Baby Baby I Never Dream (Lot 28) depicts a girl resting on the table with her eyes closed. Little stars surround her. Despite the cuteness of the scene, we sense a complicated emotion that belongs to the dreamlike chaos of childhood, which Nara is best at capturing. The Puff Marshie Mini (Lot 22) portrays the head of a little girl with the form inspired by that of a cream puff. She is filled of marshmallow sweetness and softness. Her big eyes are wide open but not betraying any of her thoughts. Rendered in simple linearity that embodies the arresting sentiment of childhood, The Puff Marshie Mini is a classic example of Nara’s three-dimensional works.