National Museum of Art Osaka

Yasumasa Morimura is an internationally renowned artist born and based in Osaka. Since 1985, he’s created a prolific body of work in which he paints himself dressed up as the subjects of famous masterpieces, film actresses, and notable historical figures. Leonardo da Vinci, Frida Kahlo, and Cindy Sherman are but a few of his painted personas. For his first large-scale exhibition in his hometown, Morimura is showing a comprehensive history of his life and works. His highly regarded early paintings—including his breakout piece Portrait (Van Gogh)—are displayed alongside recent pieces as well as photographs from his childhood. In total, 132 paintings, including 50 new works, will be on display. Morimura’s first full-length video piece is among many never-before-shown works.