FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Part One: February 18 - March 13

Part Two: March 16 - April 3

February 18 - April 3, Blum & Poe will present new sculpture by Cologne and Nagoya-based artist Yoshitomo Nara.

Deeply influenced and informed by manga (Japanese comics), cartoons, Disney and formal Japanese painting, Nara's meticulously constructed sculptures express a detached, unique and complex psychology in which innocence, melancholy and cruelty are inextricably mixed.

In 1998 and 1999, Nara has had solo exhibitions at The Institute of Visual Arts at The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, The Ginza Art Space, Tokyo, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago.

There will be a reception for the artist on Saturday, February 20, from 6-8 PM. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM - 6 PM. For further information please call Kirsten Biller at 310 453 8311.