Takashi Murakami is a Japanese painter, sculptor, installation artist, curator, and entrepreneur. Murakami was born in Itabashi City, Tokyo, Japan during 1962. He graduated from Tokyo University of the arts in 1993. He is a contemporary artist who was the key founder of the Superflat movement (Rebbeca Sieferle). Superflat’s most defining characteristic is that it shows the shallowness of consumer culture. It is a blend of fine art and commercial art, further pushing consumerism. Alright now that the boring stuff is over, let me tell you why he interests me.
One of the most likable attributes of Murakami is his character. Murakami’s artwork is known to give the viewer positive feelings. The flowers behind him are what he is most known for, and they are always smiling-just like him.
Takashi Murakami for Grailed magazine.
https://www.grailed.com/drycleanonly/takashi-murakami-fashion-history
Murakami’s enthusiasm and positive demeanor is not the only thing that will catch your eye. He is a huge influence in the fashion culture, and has done many projects with large brands. His style is sure to turn a few heads, and that has led him to work with some of the biggest names within the fashion industry.
Takashi Murakami for Grailed magazine.
railed.com/drycleanonly/takashi-murakami-fashion-history
Here is a show case of a few of Murakami’s largest collaborations within the fashion industry.
Murakami’s collaboration with Louis Vuitton S/S 2004 with Marc Jacobs.
Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2004 Campaign by Marc Jacobs featuring Takashi Murakami collaboration
Murakami x Ovo collaboration 2018.
https://stockx.com/takashi-murakami-x-ovo-hoodie-black?country=US¤cyCode=USD&size=S&gclid=Cj0KCQiA7OnxBRCNARIsAIW53B9wL6R7H8lHr1CYvrGgi00ZhSsVuAmr8URdA9DYocul7YDbjMF4wxUaAu42EALw_wcB
Murakami x Supreme colloboration 2007
https://www.highsnobiety.com/2015/06/17/takashi-murakamis-15-collaborations/
Murakami x. Luois Vuitton
https://www.highsnobiety.com/2015/06/17/takashi-murakamis-15-collaborations/
Murakami x Kaws colloboration for Christie’s
https://www.highsnobiety.com/2015/06/17/takashi-murakamis-15-collaborations/
Murakami x Google for “Solstise”
https://www.highsnobiety.com/2015/06/17/takashi-murakamis-15-collaborations/
As you can see, Murakami’s influence on pop culture is astounding. He took the fashion and skate industry by storm, followed by the high-class and pop enthusiasts. All of the works shown above were collaborations with either popular brands or artists. Here is a collection of Murakami’s solo pieces.
727. Takashi Murakami, 1996.
Supernova. Takashi Murakami, 1999.
Blue Flowers and Skulls. Takashi Murakami, 2012.
Murakami’s work is influenced by Japanese pop and anime. I found this really interesting because of how prominent he is in pop culture. Pop culture has not incorporated the Japanese and anime culture until this decade, but it is now extremely prevalent-partly due to Murakami’s role in this. Some of Murakami’s work is more clearly anime inspired-for example..
If you are interested in pop-culture, anime, fashion, skate, and positive expression then I would highly recommenced looking into Murakami more. Thank you.
Takashi Murakami for Macy’s Day Parade in 2010.
https://www.highsnobiety.com/2015/06/17/takashi-murakamis-15-collaborations/