Searching for is a search for a ghost—a beautiful, intimidating, and hilarious ghost. 2021 was the year the art world finally acknowledged that a man who drew giant naked women sitting on businessmen was not just a pervert, but a postmodern critic of Japanese corporate masculinity.

: Previously held his first solo exhibition in 2013, setting the stage for the high international demand seen in 2021. lss.gallery How I Learned to Love My Body by Painting Myself | Vogue

Here is a helpful guide to understanding the context of his work in 2021 and how to find the best collections available.

While most physical venues shied away from Harukawa’s work due to Japan’s strict censorship laws (requiring mosaic blurring of genitalia), in Tokyo’s Ginza district has historically been a haven for alternative art. In late Spring 2021 , Vanilla Gallery hosted a small but significant Namio Harukawa Memorial Show .