Take a glimpse into Takashi Murakami’s mind of vibrant colours, morphing mushrooms, smiling flowers, skulls and so much more!
Takashi Murakami, the man who’s responsible for this collision of cute, psychedelic, manga and art has made it into Time’s List of the 100 Most Influential People in the World.
From imagining smiling flowers, iconic Japanese characters, sexual complexes of otaku culture, mushrooms, skulls and other morphing creatures, to being tapped to redesign world-renown Louis Vuitton monogram, Murakami remains one of the most prominent figures in the contemporary art scene.
There’s more than what meets the eye! Check out these 5 things you should know about the creative extraordinaire Takashi Murakami:
1. He created the Artistic Movement “Superflat”
Takashi Murakami introduced the “Superflat” concept with an exhibition in 2001 in Tokyo, referring to the lack of perspective and dimensions found in Japenese art in contrast to the country’s post-war culture. The theory itself argues that these flat images gained popularity in Japan as the culture’s distinction between “high” and “low” has diminished.
2. Get to know his signature character Mr. Dob
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Mr. Dob, the closest illustration of his self-portrait was first revealed in 1992. Featuring a sharp-tooth yet cheerful round-headed creature with two round ears inscribed with D and B, big eyes denoting a clear reference to anime. Mr Dob, derived from the Japanese slang expression “dobojite”, meaning “why?”, stirs mixed feelings of adorable and strange.
3. He has collaborated with many luxury brands and personalities from around the world
Marc Jacobs, one of the biggest names in the fashion world, or in the world, was a huge Murakami fan. Murakami was tapped to redesign the Louis Vuitton monogram in 33 vibrant colours and introduced a number of celebrated prints subsequently. The “LV” series received rave reviews, solidifying Murakami’s position in the fashion industry.
He was granted the honour of working with music giants as well. One of his most notable ones was re-imagining the world of American rapper Kanye West through his free-spirited, eccentric and adorable lens for his “Graduation” album’s cover art as well as directed the animated music video for the track “Good Morning”.
4. He founded Kaikai Kiki Co in Tokyo
Murakami remains a prominent driving force in the distribution and promotion of Japanese art.
He founded Kaikai Kiki Co in Tokyo as an empowering platform for young emerging Japanese Talents – like Aya Takano, nurturing them from infant to a notable stage with international exposure through hosting exhibitions, providing capital and organizing the Geisai festival twice a year in Japan.
5. He released his debut feature film Jellyfish Eyes in 2013
Murakami paid homage to Japanese pop culture through “Jellyfish Eyes” in 2013, a fantasy film about the adventures of a boy, Masashi and his magical, mysterious friends, who aren’t what they seem.
Now you can explore what “Superflat” truly means at Takashi Murakami’s milestone exhibition “From Superflat to Bubblewrap” in STPI Gallery Singapore happening now up till 14th September 2019!
This Annual Special Exhibition will be a chance for fans to admire both iconic and outstanding range of never seen before works from Murakami, comprising sculptures, installations, and paintings including the famed This Merciless World (2014), a vibrant, colourful acrylic on canvas painting of easily recognizable smiley flowers and skulls motif!
Which of Takashi Murakami’s artwork is your favourite?
Header image credits: takashipom | Sweetphk
