Yoshitomo Nara's art features a straightforward style across paintings, sculptures, and drawings, influenced by pop culture elements like manga, Disney, and punk rock. His childlike characters, which can be both endearing and menacing, are set against bold, colorful backgrounds. Nara explores themes of imagination and individuality, with more complex works examining the relationship between figures and their environments. He holds a Master of Fine Arts from Aichi Prefectural University and has exhibited in cities like Tokyo, New York, and Los Angeles. His works are part of prestigious collections, including the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the Museum of Modern Art, and have sold for seven figures in the secondary market.
View results here:
Yoshitomo Nara (Japanese 1959-), 'Banging The Drum', 2020
Lot 138 (Tate Ward @ Artsy - By Collectors For Collectors , 1st May, 2025)
Yoshitomo Nara (Japanese 1959-), 'Banging The Drum', 2020, offset lithograph in colours on wove paper, from an unknown edition, published by Dallas ... read more
sheet: 68.7 x 43.2cm
Sold for £188 inc.premium
Yoshitomo Nara (Japanese 1959-), 'Wow Project', 2010
Lot 187 (Urban & Contemporary Art, 10th Dec, 2025)
Yoshitomo Nara (Japanese 1959-), 'Wow Project', 2010, digital print on cotton towel, un-numbered from a limited edition, towel; 148 x 174cm
towel; 148 x 174cm
Sold for £1,500 inc.premium
Yoshitomo Nara (Japanese 1959-), 'Pupa Woman', 2024/25
Lot 112 (Urban & Contemporary Art, 25th Jun, 2025)
Yoshitomo Nara (Japanese 1959-), 'Pupa Woman', 2024/25, Fine Bone China Plate, from an edition of 250, with original Presentation Box; plate: 26.5cm ... read more
plate: 26.5cm diameter
Sold for £600 inc.premium
Yoshitomo Nara (Japanese 1959-), 'Marching On A Butterbur Leaf', 2019
Lot 124 (Tate Ward @ Artsy - By Collectors For Collectors , 30th Jul, 2025)
Yoshitomo Nara (Japanese 1959-), 'Marching On A Butterbur Leaf', 2019, offset lithograph in colours on archival paper, from an unknown edition, ... read more
sheet: 61 x 45.5cm
Sold for £188 inc.premium