【I WANT TO BE A KID AGAIN】｜Collectors' Exhibition

「I WANT TO BE A KID AGAIN」｜Collectors' Exhibition

|Exhibition Overview |

"When we were little, the world always seemed so big."

Childhood is a carefree dream, filled with boundless imagination and pure excitement. Is the freedom we once had still hidden in a corner of our hearts? Contemporary by U proudly presents I Want to Be a Kid Again—a special collectors' exhibition that revisits the purity and wonder of childhood through the works of seven contemporary artists. This exhibition invites visitors to reconnect with precious childhood memories and emotions. All artworks on display are available for collection, welcoming art lovers and collectors to experience the resonance of a childlike spirit through contemporary art.

This exhibition features highly influential contemporary artists: Yoshitomo Nara, Takashi Murakami, Edgar Plans, Jerkface, Tomofumi Saito, and Chihiro Nagashima. From Yoshitomo Nara’s rebellious yet tender lonely girl, to Takashi Murakami’s Superflat aesthetics, Edgar Plans’ courageous Animal Heroes, and Jerkface’s playful reinterpretation of pop culture through cartoon symbols—each artist brings a unique perspective. Tomofumi Saito’s wooden sculptures blur the lines between reality and fantasy, Chihiro Nagashima crafts surreal, free-spirited visions, and Cope2 evokes nostalgic memories of childhood icons through street art. The collection spans original works, sculptures, and prints, each embodying the innocence and limitless imagination of childhood.

"Childhood should never end. We must continue dreaming, just like those kids who dare to be different."
—Edgar Plans

When we shed the constraints of adulthood, can we still see the world through the pure eyes of a child? I Want to Be a Kid Again is not just a visual exploration but a journey of the heart—an invitation to rediscover the joy and innocence that never truly disappeared. Through art, we build a bridge back to our childhood, rekindling the spirit of wonder and happiness.

| Exhibition Information |
Dates: March 12, 2025 (Wed) – May 5, 2025 (Mon)
Venue: Contemporary by U
Address: 1F, No. 42, Lane 553, Section 4, Zhongxiao East Road, Xinyi District, Taipei
Opening Hours:

Monday – Friday: 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

| Ticket Information |
Admission: Free

Yoshitomo Nara (b. 1959)

Yoshitomo Nara is one of the most representative contemporary artists in Japan, standing out among Superflat artists with his iconic depictions of children. His works often feature wide-eyed, round-faced children with indifferent or mischievous expressions—seemingly innocent yet carrying an underlying sense of loneliness, rebellion, and emotional depth. Deeply influenced by his childhood experiences and Japanese anime culture, Nara has stated that his paintings are not merely portrayals of children but reflections of his inner self. His art captures both the purity of childhood and the solitude and contemplation of adulthood, creating a delicate emotional tension that resonates deeply with viewers. With a simple yet powerful visual language, his works evoke profound emotions, prompting reflection on childhood memories and the journey of growing up.

Takashi Murakami (b. 1962)

Takashi Murakami is one of the most influential contemporary artists in Japan, renowned for his distinctive "Superflat" style. His works blend traditional Japanese art, anime culture, and Western contemporary art, using vibrant colors and highly commercialized visual language to explore the blurred boundaries between consumer culture and fine art. Deeply influenced by Japan’s Otaku culture, Murakami creates characters such as the Smiling Flowers, the multi-eyed Mr. DOB, and other surreal figures—seemingly playful yet embedded with profound meanings—revealing the contradictions and boundless imagination of contemporary society.

Edgar Plans (b.1977)

Edgar Plans was born in Madrid, Spain, in 1977. At the age of 15, he studied under artist José María Ramos, where he learned to express his longing for freedom through the blending of colors and to convey his inner thoughts through composition. He once said, "A canvas is never blank in the eyes of an artist; it is a mirror of their thoughts." His style is filled with playfulness, imagination, and energy. His Animal Heroes series, featuring children dressed as superheroes, has captured the hearts of fans worldwide.

Jerkface (b. 1982)

Jerkface was born in 1982 in New York, USA, and has gained widespread recognition for his artistic style influenced by pop culture. He is known for recreating classic cartoon characters in layered, repeating patterns that cover the entire canvas. His artistic training stems from New York’s street art scene, which has profoundly influenced the form and color choices in his work—particularly his use of flat, stylized shapes and vibrant hues. These elements not only reflect his connection to the characters but also form the foundation of his intuitive creative process. The artist has stated that he aims to create works filled with positive energy, as he believes the world already has enough negativity.

Satoshi Saitoh (b.1982)

Satoshi Saito was born in 1982 in Nagano, Japan, and graduated from the Sculpture Department of Tokyo Zokei University. Growing up in a family of horticulturists, he developed a deep emotional connection with trees, which led him to use camphor wood as his primary medium. His sculptural works incorporate traditional Japanese pigments and ash, blending elements of painting with three-dimensional forms. Saito's creations range from serene idol-like sculptures to abstract three-dimensional works, exploring themes of regional culture, biological activity, social emotions, and philosophical thought. Through his art, he conveys the ambiguity of human memory and a sense of nostalgia.

Chihiro Nagashima (b.1983)

Chihiro Nagashima was born in 1983 in Shizuoka, Japan, and graduated from the Department of Oil Painting at Kyoto Saga University of Arts in 2006. Her works, rendered in vivid acrylic colors, intricately combine totemic and manga-inspired elements, resembling the constant stream of fragmented information on social media while symbolizing the spirits of countless deities. These visual motifs transcend religious, cultural, racial, and gender boundaries, offering a panoramic view of an ever-changing world. With delicate and warm compositions, Nagashima creates a fantastical world through the eyes of a child, drawing viewers into a dreamlike realm. She masterfully employs bright color palettes to evoke a light and tranquil atmosphere, as if time has paused at the most beautiful moments of childhood.

Cola King (b.1971)

Cola King (b.1971), born in 1971 in Keelung, Taiwan, is a contemporary artist specializing in street art and pop culture. His creations not only extend and subvert the visual trends of the 1990s but also serve as a fusion of avant-garde and subcultural artistic expression. Skillfully incorporating local Taiwanese elements, he establishes an emotional connection with viewers through a distinct and warm visual language. In his works, adorable figures are wrapped in melancholy, and childlike imagery conceals a sense of loneliness. This unique artistic vocabulary not only seeks to heal a world that is gradually falling apart but also brings a fresh and distinctive presence to contemporary art.