Is This Yoshitomo Nara’s Most Soulful Portrait? Exploring Cosmic Eyes (in the Milky Lake)

London | 4 March 2025

Step into the world of Yoshitomo Nara with Cosmic Eyes (in the Milky Lake)—a powerful reflection of his mature painterly practice and lifelong exploration of self.

In this captivating work, Nara captures the raw sensitivity and complexity of his iconic protagonists through the lens of Japanese Neo-Pop kawaii aesthetics. A wide-eyed, rosy-cheeked girl meets the viewer’s gaze—vulnerable yet defiant, relatable yet enigmatic—embodying Nara’s signature ability to reflect the spirit of each generation.

Her eyes, shimmering with luminous hues of blue, pink, and green, become portals to the soul—a bridge between viewer and subject, inviting us to confront the self and glimpse the rebellious nature within.

A true testament to Nara’s ability to evoke emotion and sincerity, Cosmic Eyes (in the Milky Lake) reaffirms his place as one of Japan’s most celebrated contemporary artists.

This spellbinding work is a highlight of the Modern & Contemporary Evening Auction taking place at Sotheby’s London on 4 March.

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