Our Thursday series features must-read books from each branch of the art bookshop NADiff. This week's recommendation is "Chic Issue 9: Portrait 02: Nara Yoshitomo," the ninth issue of the magazine "Chic," which was first published in 2014. It's introduced by NADiff Aichi, our Aichi/Nagoya branch (1-13-2 Higashisakura, Higashi-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Aichi Arts Center B2F).

■ "Chic Issue 9: Portrait 02: Nara Yoshitomo"

This book is the ninth issue of the magazine "Chic," which was first published in 2014. "Chic" is a lifestyle and culture magazine published with the aim of "unraveling the relationships between the various elements of modern life, revealing the countless charms that things possess, and creating a space for people to properly reflect on the meaning of the richness of our lives." The publisher and editor-in-chief is Kikutake Kan, who is involved in the production and management of exhibitions at Taka Ishii Gallery (Tokyo) and also plans and edits the art criticism magazine "Kyouku." While exploring a new magazine format, the magazine aims to create a magazine that can be read for generations to come. It's an ambitious magazine that explores the possibilities of bookmaking, with each issue featuring a slightly different binding and paper, even though the format remains the same. Previous features include Hokkaido/Nemuro, Hakata/Fukuoka/Dazaifu, Rikuzentakata, Kumano, Tokyo, Izu, Jurgen Lehl (Portrait 01), and Asakusa. In addition to regional features highlighting people and places exploring new possibilities, starting with issue 7, the magazine also launched a portrait series that conveys the appeal of "people," while retaining the regular serials and columns. This time, as the second installment of the portrait series, the magazine will feature artist Nara Yoshitomo across two issues, this one and the next. Nara, currently attracting attention with a large-scale solo exhibition being held at the Toyota Municipal Museum of Art, is widely known both in Japan and abroad for her uniquely drawn depictions of sullen girls, attracting many visitors. This book carefully sheds light on the roots of Nara's creative activities through interviews with him, tracing the music and books he has encountered, his daily life and experiences. Furthermore, as the book is entirely comprised of interviews, it allows readers to get a close feel for the atmosphere and thoughts embodied in his words. Another key point is that the illustrations are in color.
【Book Information】
"Shiku/chic Issue 9 Portrait 02 Nara Yoshitomo"
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief: Kikutake Kan
Design: Tanaka Yoshihisa
Publisher: YKG Publishing
Language: Japanese
Hardcover / 144 pages / 204 x 133 mm (A5 modified size)
Release Date: July 2017
Price: 1,600 yen

【Exhibition Information】
"Nara Yoshitomo for better or worse"
Venue: Toyota Municipal Museum of Art
Address: 8-5-1 Kosakahonmachi, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture
Dates: July 15 - September 24, 2017
Hours: 10:00 - 17:30 (Last admission at 17:00)
Closed: Mondays (Open on August 14 and September 18)
Admission: Adults 1,500 yen (1,300 yen), high school and university students 1,000 yen (800 yen), junior high school students and younger free *Prices in parentheses are for groups of 20 or more