Juxtapoz Art and Culture-Spring_2019

142 SPRING 2019

PERSPECTIVE

Nara’s Yard

The Iconic Japanese Artist Unlatches a Garden Gate

Claude Monet was not alone in finding refuge

and rejuvenation in his garden. March 28, 2019

marks the official re-opening of N’s YARD, a

verdant respite located in a quiet forest, just

about a two-hour drive from Tokyo. An outpost

of Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara’s neighboring

studio, N’s YARD presents paintings, drawings and

sculptures by the artist, along with treasures from

his personal collection that have been significant

in his creative process. From record covers and

artwork by friends and peers, N’s YARD is a

delightful insight into Nara’s creative journey in

the surroundings he finds most nurturing.

Conceived as integral to the artist’s intention to

channel income from his artwork into his work

environment, the seeds for a creative compound

were sown a decade after building his large studio

nearby. The leafy green landscape is dedicated to

a rotating roster of Nara’s art, from small paper

drawings to monumental outdoor sculptures, all

displayed within a flourishing garden.

Visitors to N’YARD have an opportunity to see a

personally curated exhibit from Nara’s personal

collection and enjoy beverages and morsels like

Sawayaka’s Bento Box, made from locally grown,

organic ingredients as they ponder the purchase

of exclusive products designed by the artist.

—Sasha Bogojev

http://www.nsyard.com

Above: Artwork by Yoshitomo Nara, Photo by Mie Morimoto