This exhibition focused on works by Yokoo Tadanori that depict animals. Yokoo’s works feature countless animals, including familiar creatures such as cats and dogs; land-dwelling animals such as lions, horses, and monkeys; sea-dwelling animals such as alligators and turtles, and imaginary animals such as dragons and Nessie the Loch Ness Monster.

Animals play a variety of roles in these works. In some cases they are the protagonists, while in other cases they symbolize something else or are a background element. The works also frequently contain anecdotes related to Yokoo’s life or messages from him. For example, the lions and alligators that often appear in his works are derived from the adventure stories he read as a young child. And the cats, another common presence, reflect the fact that Yokoo is a cat lover and are often modeled on his own pet cats. Here we present some 70 pieces, primarily from the museum collection, which are arranged according to type of animal. Presenting these works, which encompass a variety of media, including oil paintings, posters, and prints, all together, enables us to trace Yokoo’s animal expressions. This exhibition based on the familiar theme of animals promises to provide a great deal of enjoyment for both adults and children.