Adeline Drechou, the Associate Director at PACE Gallery in Geneva, takes us behind the scenes of the current exhibition featuring the exclusive works of renowned artist Yoshitomo Nara. Situated conveniently at Quai des Bergues in Geneva, the art gallery hosts a unique collection straight from Nara’s personal studio, offering an unprecedented look at his artistic evolution.
In this interview, Adeline sheds light on why this exhibition is a must-see for young and old alike, drawing attention to the never-before-seen works that span from the artist’s debut in 1988 to his most recent creations in 2023. This small, but powerful exhibition provides viewers with a chronological journey showcasing Nara’s evolution over the years.
Adeline Drechou: Associate Director at PACE Gallery.
Adeline, thank you for taking the time to walk me through the exhibition and share your thoughts. For all the readers out there, what makes this exhibition unique?
Well, first off: all of these works have never been seen before! Each piece on display is a firsthand glimpse into Yoshitomo Nara’s private studio and personal collection. The works were all chosen, placed and curated by Nara himself, providing a chronological journey of art works from 1988 to 2023. The pictures on the right hand wall, with the same size and frame are a deliberate choice — they are all from the same notebook and made this year in 2023, so his most recent works are being shown here and now. This timeline-focused journey around the gallery, allows us as the audience to witness his artistic trajectory, starting from the beginnings of his career in 1988 before he became famous, through to drawings from this year.
How does this exhibition connect with the other Nara shows going on?
A pivotal moment was his 2021–2022 exhibition at LACMA, Los Angeles, which underscored the significance of Nara’s drawings and emphasized that his work in this medium is just as important as his sculpture and painting practices. Following that, we curated a ceramic exhibition at our gallery in Seoul and hosted a presentation focused on his painting and installation in our London location. This exhibition here in Geneva continues this cycle. Additionally, the show in Geneva opened only a week after his exhibition at the Albertina in Vienna concluded, continuing a clear European dialogue. Shared recognizable elements, including the identical wooden vitrines featured in both shows, link the Albertina’s presentation to ours.
Do you have a personal favorite among the artworks, and if so, which one would you proudly display in your living room?
Well, there is one piece that I hold dear, but it’s a bit embarrassing to admit. (laughs)... Read the full story on the original medium publication from 7th January 2024 here.
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