Artist 52
Takashi Murakami Anime Painter and Sculptor
Takashi Murakami, who has a PhD in Nihonga painting, combines the most cutting-edge techniques with the precision and virtuosity of traditional Japanese art.
Inspired by manga and kawaii culture, his irresistible world is peopled by monstrous and charming characters alike, as facetious descendants of past myths.
His theory of the Superflat aesthetic, which he introduced in 2001 with the trilogy exhibition he curated (the third part was entitled “Little Boy,” which refers to the codename for the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945), attempts to blur the boundaries between popular art and high art; it has explored the evolution of Japan’s understanding of its post-Hiroshima condition and the interrelationships between vanguard art, manga, anime and their forerunner, Ukiyo-e woodblock prints.
The absence of perspective, the two-dimensionality of ancient Japanese art, filters in to every medium. Murakami is recognized as one of the most prominent contemporary artists of his time, and his work has been featured in numerous exhibitions throughout the world.
As an avid reader of Manga, I love the Superflat aesthetic. He comes across as a modern Andy Warhol and I love his creations highlight a unique part of Japanese culture for the contemporary art world to see. Often there is a lot of red tape over what quantifies as ‘high’ art or ‘low’ art and I love that Murakami destroys this.
I find his work fascinating and it evokes emotional reactions which is how I define ‘good’ art . The penis sculpture reflects a different perspective on sex especially in media where often the penis not shown. His skull artworks come across as cute but shown the macabre of death in a new light. His installation pieces overwhelm the senses reflection how overwhelmed we are in today’s society with constant images and advertising put onto us.
Comments