Nara Bunnies, Tina Turner

Lehan Edirisinghe

Yoshitomo Nara’s “Nowhere Bunny” and “Night Fishing” stood out as playful, high-end art finds. “The Best” and a quiet portrait moment closed the entry

The illustration titled "Nowhere Bunny in Somewhere" by Yoshitomo Nara, created in 1998, features a distinct character that embodies a sense of attitude and whimsy. The central figure is a small childlike character dressed in a snug, pale pink bunny costume. The outfit includes large floppy ears, which add a playful touch to the composition. The character stands with a slight lean, hands at its sides, and sports an expression of mild defiance or displeasure. Its green eyes gaze sideways, giving a sense of personality and mood, enhanced by the upward tilt of its small mouth.
The background is dark, contrasting sharply with the pale tones of the character and helping it stand out. The artwork is rendered in acrylic and graphite on canvas, measuring 48 x 40.6 cm (19 x 16 inches). The minimalist approach, focusing on the character against a plain background, is typical of Nara's style, emphasizing expression and emotion through simplicity. The painting was part of a 20th/21st Century Art Evening Sale at Christie's in Hong Kong on 28 May 2023, with an estimated value between HK$5,000,000 and HK$8,000,000.

Admiring “Nowhere Bunny in Somewhere” From 1998

5:15 p.m. (c)

This is a nice Japanese work of art

Nowhere Bunny in Somewhere, 1998

The image depicts Milina Sumathipala in a cozy indoor setting, possibly her home. She is holding a colorful portrait painting, which appears to be quite dear to her, as suggested by the hint. The portrait is vibrant, featuring a person in a blue shirt against a red and orange background. Milina is seated on a bed with white pillows, and the room is softly illuminated by a lamp on a nearby bedside table. The table also holds several items like books and small boxes, adding a lived-in feel to the scene. Her posture is relaxed and she seems to be admiring or contemplating the painting, suggesting a personal connection. The lighting in the room is warm, contributing to the intimate and peaceful atmosphere. The focus on the portrait and Milina’s interaction with it highlights its significance as her most prized possession.

Quoting “There’s a Name for It”

6:15 p.m. (e)

[Pre-Chorus 2]

There's a name for it

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