“Good art work depends on how honestly and purely it is made,” Takashi Murakami once said on TV. This statement impressed young Japanese artist Yoh Nagao, whose works will be featured in his first solo show in Europe. The question how honestly his collage-based works are made is left open. What is certain is that these images, including a fur-wearing Bic Mac, humorously reflect the current zeitgeist.
With a strong reference to pop art and contemporary East Asian aesthetics, the complexity of Nagao’s colourful works lies above all in their unusual mix of techniques and styles. Based on a certain theme, concept or a particular motive, vivid acrylic paint meets collage, pencil, pen and marker dots, realistic elements stand next to mere patterns, and analogue techniques are complemented by digital processes. This mix of materials and styles allows Nagao to create a fresh, new look with every image.
Biography
*1981 born in Yokohama (JP)
/ 1999-2003 studies at Nagoya Zokei University of Art and Design
/ produces his own product line "Yogurt"
/ currently working as in-house designer in Nagoya Japan
Awards
2007 8th international poster triennial in toyama
2008 Shift calendar competition selected
Publications
2007 Khooligan-magazine, Moscow
2008 Young Asian Graphic Designers, Daab Books
2008 Street T, Monsa Barcelona
2008 Illustration Book Pro 02, Pie books, Tokyo
2009 Ming Pao weekly magazine, HongKong
2010 - “ism 2010”, tambourin-gallery, Tokyo
Exhibitions
2007 Project "We Are Familila" from NY Exhibition at Colette, Paris
2008 Zine show "my room is full of zine" Yebisu Art Labo, Nagoya
2008 Group Exhibition "Intersection" Gallery Benten17, HongKong
2009 Solo Exhibition "JOURNEY" Gallery Benten17, HongKong
2010 “ism 2010”, tambourin-gallery, Tokyo
Year of the ox 3 2008 / 199 x 150 mm / acrylic, collage, color pencil, pencil
A Guide 1 2008 / 454 x 316 mm / acrylic, collage, marker, color pencil, pencil
Year of the ox 2 2008 / 199 x 150 mm / acrylic, collage, color pencil, pencil
