Influenced by both Japanese and Western pop culture, Yoshitomo Nara is internationally known for his cartoonish paintings and sculptures of children and dogs. Created during his student days at the Kunstakademie in Düsseldorf, Germany (1989–1993), Peculiar marks an important stage in Nara’s artistic development. An early iteration of his now-iconic style, the painting prefigures the stark compositions of his portraits of menacing young figures with few or no narrative clues. The generous gift of this work comes from Joan and Michael Salke, longtime MFA Boston supporters.

Acrylic on canvas.

Gift of Joan and Michael Salke in honor of the 150th anniversary of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. © Yoshitomo Nara.

2021.555