Hurry up, there are only a few short weeks left in which to catch a glimpse of Yoshitomo Nara’s solo exhibition at the Yokohama Museum of Art. Cute, yet slightly scary and aggressive manga-style depictions of children are awaiting you from amongst some of the most easily recognizable artwork in Japanese pop culture.

In his latest exhibition, Nara sheds light on a side of his work many won’t be familiar with: hand-crafted bronze sculptures, which the artist has tackled for the first time. Displayed alongside the sculptures are his usual drawings and paintings, which conveying familiarity despite being newly created.

A Bit Like You and Me, the exhibition title, borrows a line from Beatles song “Nowhere Man”, and expresses the relationship between the artist and his works, and between his works and the viewer.

Why not escape the scorching sun for a little darkness in the form of vulnerable-looking kids who stare at you mischievously? This is well worth hopping on a train ride to Yokohama, Tokyo dwellers fear not. (Vivian Morelli)

When: July 14- Sept 23 closed Thursday

Where: Yokohama Museum of Art (see map)

How much? ¥1,100 general / ¥700 student


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