Yu Nagaba

Charming and lively, Yu Nagaba’s line drawings and sculptures transform the past and present. His black and white artworks recreate famous paintings, celebrities and films. These are wide-ranging – from Leonardo da Vinci to Mattise, and even John Travolta dancing. His process is intuitive. He paints lines by hand, creating animated characters and recognisable motifs. His artwork often has themes. I'm Your Venus (2020) is based on the mythological Greek goddess of love. Nagaba takes inspiration from his favourite artist, American minimalist Donald Judd. His simple sculptures are a reminder to simplify and refine.

Central to Nagaba's practice is connecting art to a mass audience. His series The Shot/Reverse Shot (2020) depicts moments from cult classic films. This includes Stand By Me (1986) Pulp Fiction (1994), and Leon: The Professional (1994). In his work, famous figures look up, and people interact. Others are in motion, walking, playing or drinking coffee. The artwork is lively yet succinct. By mixing art and culture, he makes it more accessible. For him, art is "not theory, it's a sensuous expression.” Whether the michelin man or David Hockney, Nagaba transforms everyday culture into a playful, universal artform.