What's Happening?
David Zwirner Gallery has announced the addition of contemporary Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara to its roster. Nara, known for his distinctive cartoonish characters, particularly little girls with large eyes, was previously represented by Los Angeles
dealer Tim Blum, whose gallery closed this past summer. The move to Zwirner comes as a surprise to some, given Nara's long-standing relationship with Pace Gallery. Despite this change, Pace Gallery will continue to maintain a relationship with Nara, according to their CEO Marc Glimcher. Zwirner plans to collaborate with Nara's agent, Joe Baptista, and will host a Nara exhibition at one of its New York locations.
Why It's Important?
The signing of Yoshitomo Nara by David Zwirner Gallery is significant in the art world, as Nara is one of the most expensive living artists globally. His works have consistently fetched high prices at auctions, with a record $24.9 million sale in 2019. This move could potentially enhance Zwirner's standing in the contemporary art market, attracting collectors and art enthusiasts. For Pace Gallery, the development is unexpected but not entirely disruptive, as they continue to support Nara's work. The shift highlights the competitive nature of art representation and the strategic decisions galleries make to align with prominent artists.
What's Next?
David Zwirner Gallery is set to present a Yoshitomo Nara exhibition in New York, which could further elevate Nara's profile in the U.S. art scene. The collaboration with Joe Baptista's Equivalence Art Agency suggests a focus on artist-centered projects, potentially leading to innovative exhibitions and partnerships. Meanwhile, Pace Gallery may seek to strengthen its ties with other artists or explore new opportunities to maintain its competitive edge.
