Acrylic on canvas

100×80.3 cm. 39 3/8×31 5/8 in.

Signed in English and dated on the reverse

LITERATURE
2012, Mr. ART BOOK IKITEIKU MOE MICHI YUKABA, Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd., Tokyo, p.87
EXHIBITED
2 May - 22 Jun 2007, MR., Lehmann Maupin Gallery, New York
16 Dec 2017 - 10 Feb 2018, Youth Unlimited, Metaphysical Art Gallery, Taipei

PROVENANCE
Lehmann Maupin Gallery, New York
Acquired diretly by present important private Asian collector from the above

Note: A label of New York Lehmann Maupin Gallery is affixed on the reverse.

Hope and Courage Born under the Morning Sun
The Radiant Youth in Mr.'s Painting

"I believe that ‘depicting characters' is an eternal theme in the creation of human-related subjects. Once I was also torn between ‘bringing back the original' and ‘creating something contemporary,' troubled by this dilemma. Then I began to wonder-are modern people escaping from this beautiful and primal form of expression? Now is precisely the time to ‘depict characters.'"
——Mr.

As a highly sought-after artist in the contemporary art scene, Mr. takes Japanese otaku culture and moe aesthetic as inspiration, constructing vibrant worlds through his flat painting style. He joins Takashi Murakami-his mentor, Yoshitomo Nara, Aya Takano, and other contemporary Japanese artists to break the boundary between popular culture and fine art, captivating a large number of collectors worldwide. Mr. has held solo exhibitions in Paris, London, New York, Hong Kong and Shanghai, among others. His works are in the collections of prestigious international institutions, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Seattle Art Museum, the Vancouver Art Gallery, and the Daegu Art Museum in South Korea.

In 2007, his career took off and he achieved great success on the international stage. In that year, he took part in the Chaney Family Collection exhibition at the Houston Museum of Fine Arts and was invited to participate in exhibitions in New York, Paris and Vancouver, among other places. During this period, he often painted motifs of daily Japanese landscapes and local people. His early works were characterised by the meticulous way in which he depicted the places and scenery. From this period, the work presented here, First Time Ever, is a rare and stunning piece seldom seen in the auction market.

The True Heart Shines Along True Friendship

The painting portrays a bright young girl by a riverbank at sunrise. She holds a "mysterious creature" on her head as they embark on a new journey together. This soft, purple creature reminds us of the Pokémon, Ditto, who has been captivating the world since 1995.  Sleeping comfortably on the head of the young girl, the creature is like an "imaginary friend," with whom many used to spend their lonely days as a child, evoking a sense of empathy in the viewer.

Behind the figures, a brilliant morning glow fills the horizon. A meandering river reflects the light and shades of the world while nourishing the grass. With delicate brushstrokes, Mr. captures the strength leading the grass and reeds to grow upward toward the sun. The clean, white houses and passing vehicles by the road capture daily life in vivid detail. "First Time Ever," which is the title of the work, seems to guide people to listen to their hearts, encouraging them to experience the world with childlike curiosity and, thereby, look forward to the future. The painting is a manifestation of Mr.'s affection for and attachment to the scenery of the everyday. With mindful appreciation, one will find that life is full of pleasant surprises and touching moments as pure as the rising sun.

From Charming Confidence Rises the True Self of Women

At the end of the 20th century, with Japan's economic boom and ideological openness, the emphasis on gender equality led to an improvement in women's social status. This change was also reflected in Japanese anime and manga. For instance, classic anime series such as Magical DoReMi, Creamy Mami, the Magic Angel, and Sailor Moon featured characters who broke away from the stereotype of the sweet and obedient "perfect girl," leading to the awakening of female self-awareness. Women were determining their fashion styles according to their will.

The protagonist of First Time Ever demonstrates this charming self-confidence: she wears short blue hair, a cool cap, and a unisex camouflage coat with jean shorts, exuding youthful energy. With a bright smile, she clasps her left hand over her chest, cheering on for the viewer. It appears that she is encouraging us to embrace our childlike spirit and be our true selves with courage, with which we shall harness the strength to overcome anything.

Price estimate:
HKD 1,200,000 - 1,800,000
USD 153,800 - 230,800