Shigeru Arai and the Art of Sofubi at Numero 51

At Numero 51, located between Guastalla and Porta Romana, visitors are immediately transported to Japan through the sculptures of Shigeru Arai, famously known as NAGNAGNAG. The gallery is hosting a new exhibition titled NEW ART GUILD – SOFUBI TEN (ソフビ展) SHIGERU ARAI TRIBUTE EXHIBITION, running until June 7th (by appointment). This showcase features a rare and extensive collection of his works, none of which are for sale. These pieces have been generously loaned by private collectors to honor Arai's artistic journey and provide a comprehensive representation of his work. However, there will be an opportunity to acquire some pieces, including very rare items, through an auction and lottery. These special works have been created specifically for the gallery by artists and figures close to Shigeru Arai.

Sofubi refers to figures crafted from soft vinyl, originating from the world of toys. Each creation traditionally adheres to specific guidelines: clean color application, technical precision, and a pop-stylized aesthetic, all considered crucial for product quality. Brass stencils were employed to achieve serial accuracy, ensuring sharp lines and preventing color bleeding.

Starting with the iconic figure of Godzilla, Arai began to alter its elements. This is where his unique brilliance truly emerges: in a country and industry deeply rooted in rules, he breaks them. His distinctive hand-painting technique, known as Arai-nuri, is emblematic of his work, characterized by expressive layering, tactile surfaces, and unparalleled chromatic depth. While a standard sculpture might involve three or four color applications, Arai's works can feature dozens, aiming to imbue the sculptures with a sense of life and material richness. Another distinctive feature is the addition of external, non-vinyl elements, which vary in each piece. These include hair, eyes, accessories, and attire such as studded wristbands, hats, nails, or outfits ironically reminiscent of McDonald's uniforms in various colors.

In 2008, he created his first original figure, Bouryoku Genjin (literally "Violent Primitive Man"), an hominid whose deformity encapsulates the brutality of humankind. NAGNAGNAG's creations occupy a unique space between sculpture and collectible art object, bridging the gap between underground toy design culture and contemporary art practice. His influence has been instrumental in shaping a new generation of independent Sofubi artists who continue to draw inspiration from his methods and aesthetic. Furthermore, his control over the market, driven by scarcity and extremely limited distribution, has cemented his status as one of the most sought-after artists in the field.

The exhibition, set within an underground-style display featuring graffiti and Japanese posters, showcases MieuxNA, Arai's last Sofubi creation (he passed away in 2023). This piece is displayed alongside canvases by Ayano Yamamoto. Despite its childlike appearance, the character represents a hundred-year-old man. Arai had planned to present it at the Tokyo Art Fair with Yamamoto's paintings as a visual counterpoint, but his passing prevented the project's realization. This figure notably differs from his previous works; while his earlier subjects were men or hominids, MieuxNA exhibits a design leaning towards the feminine, yet it still features male genitalia.

In her artwork GOING HOME SAFE, Yamamoto reinterprets MieuxNA, symbolizing the final day on Earth. Only three figures in the painting appear to grasp this reality: the Sofubi figure, a cat at the center of the scene, and a beggar. The other characters are fragmented, incomplete, like masks unable to perceive the impending end. In contrast, WHAT DO YOU WEAR WHEN YOU JUMP depicts MieuxNA from behind, standing on a building and observing a modern city. The artwork invites multiple interpretations: is he about to jump, touching upon a sensitive theme in Japanese society like suicide, or is he preparing to take flight, embracing new possibilities? After all, he is a doll, not a human being. These paintings dedicated to MieuxNA were created in memory of Shigeru Arai.