Yoshitomo Nara by art historian Yeewan Koon is a comprehensive monograph devoted to the life and career of one of the most influential Japanese contemporary artists of his generation.

Published by Phaidon in 2020 and produced in close collaboration with Yoshitomo Nara, the book surveys more than three decades of his artistic practice. It traces the development of his distinctive imagery from early works through his internationally recognized paintings of children and solitary figures, while also presenting drawings, sculpture, ceramics, installations, and other aspects of his wider practice.

The hardcover volume measures approximately 29 × 25 cm / 11.4 × 9.8 in and contains 330 pages with approximately 380 illustrations. The book combines Yeewan Koon’s art-historical text with writings by Nara himself, offering both critical context and a more personal perspective on the evolution of his work.

Nara rose to international prominence during the 1990s and became closely associated with a generation of Japanese artists whose work combined popular culture, illustration, music, subculture, and contemporary art. Although best known for his large-headed child figures with ambiguous expressions, this monograph emphasizes the breadth of his practice and the changing emotional and political dimensions of his work over time.

With its large format, extensive illustrations, and close involvement of the artist, Yoshitomo Nara is an important reference work for collectors and admirers of Nara’s art, Japanese contemporary art, Neo-Pop, Superflat-related culture, and contemporary artist monographs.

Artist: Yoshitomo Nara
Author: Yeewan Koon
Title: Yoshitomo Nara
Format: Artist monograph / hardcover art book
Publisher: Phaidon Press
Year: 2020
Binding: Hardback
Language: English
Pages: 330
Illustrations: 380
Size: 29 × 25 cm / 11.4 × 9.8 in
ISBN: 978-0-7148-7994-9
Edition: Standard edition
Subject: Yoshitomo Nara — painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, and artistic development
Collaboration: Produced in close collaboration with Yoshitomo Nara