The San Jose Museum of Art plays host to the first major solo U.S. exhibit of work by Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara. Citing influences such as Disney and Punk Rock, Nara is best known for his unsettling cartoon-like children. Although they may fit the Japanese sense of , the direct gaze and sense of malice that is often present in Naras characters excludes them from fitting a Western definition of cute. The title of the show, Nothing Ever Happens is an apt reflection of the startling sense of ennui that permeates much of Naras art.
Although many fans are familiar with Naras characters, due to their widespread inclusion in zines and toys, the actual scale of many of Naras works often comes as a surprise. Many of the pieces included in the show are over 5 ft in diameter. Experiencing these large pieces first hand is one of the major draws of the exhibit
What is especially commendable about this show is the inclusion of numerous sketches, letters, and other Nara ephemera that were never intended for exhibition. These pieces, along with a slideshow of the artist in his studio, give greater insight into both how Nara works, and the true scope of his imagination. Nara often cites punk rock and musicians such as the East Bays own Green Day, and Social Distortion as major influences in his art. This is especially apparent in the assembled sketches. SFist especially enjoyed seeing the lyrics to Social Ds Ball and Chain illustrated.
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