Middle Plane #6

Middle Plane is an independent, bi-annual publication based in London.

Each issue is dedicated to a leading figure in contemporary art. Applying the visual language of fashion to tell a story in ways that are unpredictable, critical and new.

Taking a collaborative and visionary approach, Middle Plane continues to redefine modes of dialogue with every issue.

Middle Plane - Issue 06, Yoshitomo Nara

Middle Plane issue No.6, published October 2022, is a collaboration with Japanese artist  Yoshitomo Nara.

This issue explores the rarely seen personal side of Nara's practice, as well as the recurring theme of children and the powerful infuence they have had upon his work. For an issue centred on Japan's most celebrated contemporary artist, Middle Plane's contributors have also examined the cultural identity of Japan, its creative DNA, its environment, its people and its unique fashion scene.

Middle Plane issue No.6 includes:
Nara Meets the Twins; the artist together with his favourite young companions play with fashion in his Toya studio, as captured by Fumiko Imano. Imano's captivating work imagines a second  self – her own fctional twin where the images serve as a visual interview between the artist and the photographer.

Rinko Kawauchi's trip to Hokkaido presents the nature and landscapes of rural Japan.

A fashion special featuring the Japanese actress Shizuka Ishibashi with the latest ready-to-wear from TakahiromiyashitaThe Soloist, captured by Takashi Homma.

Jack Day turns his lens to Nara's work in the wild in collaboration with Pace Gallery, and Sam Rock makes a visit to Tokyo Bay to capture the fying fish which swim the waters there.

Letty Schmiterlow shoots a The Row fashion special.

Osamu Yokonami's signature expressive close-ups are of children at play with Loewe’s watermelon pouch.

Archival straight-ups from the pages of iconic Japanese style magazine FRUiTS exploring the famous Harajuku style.

Nara’s own photographic work taken from his 2018 publication Days 2014-2018: Sixteen springs and sixteen summers gone—Take your time, it won't be long now.

And more.