Recently, Nara increased using the media of photography. He paired with Rinko Kawauchi on FOIL magazine in 2002, presenting his photographs taken in Afghanistan to focus on the anti-war movement. It is somewhat different from the big-headed girls. Very strong straightforward work reflecting the real world.

Kabul Note, 2002

After the devastating earthquake happened on Mar 11, 2011, Nara’s mind toward art shifted to a different attitude. Regardless of the incident, he was announcing political works from before. However, the tragedy allowed appealing stronger message through the form of girls.

“NO WAR”, 2019, Acrylic on wood, 1,170 × 1,035 × 70 mm

This book offers an opportunity to introspect about society and human beings through a hint of discomfort and anxiety in violence inside cute girls.

Yoshitomo Nara
Specifications: 330 pages, 290 × 250 mm, English, Hardback
Editor: Simon Hunegs
Designer: Anna Rieger
Publication: 2020
ISBN: 9780714879949
https://uk.phaidon.com