Takashi Murakami (b. 1962, Tokyo) is one of the leading figures of the contemporary art world. He brought a new stylistic movement to Japan, called the Superflat movement, which references the flatness in traditional Japanese painting such as Ukiyo-e as well as the post-war culture of anime and manga. As an established artist in Japan, he created the Hiropon Factory, a studio that eventually developed into Kaikai Kiki Co. Ltd, an artist management and art production company. He serves as a mentor for other well-known artists from the Superflat movement such as Aya Takano, and largely represents the contemporary art world in Japan.
Murakami's characters - his flowers, lions, smiley faces, bears, and other kawaii anime characters - are immediately recognizable to any person regardless of art historical background. He has a large influence over pop culture, creating Kanye West's Graduation album cover and collaborating with fashion icons such as Louis Vuitton's artistic director Virgil Abloh. Murakami's art expands from illustrations to sculptures to pillows, making high-end art available to practically anyone.
EXAMPLES OF WORK
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A Top Ball of Flowers a Panda Cub Sits Properly, by TAKASHI MURAKAMI
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A Panda Cub Hugging a Ball of Flowers, by TAKASHI MURAKAMI
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Panda is sleepy AND SLEEPY, by TAKASHI MURAKAMI
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Panda Hoyoyo Suyasuya, by TAKASHI MURAKAMI
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Panda-Chan is a cushion of flowers Puyon Puyoung, by TAKASHI MURAKAMI
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Smiley days with Ms. Flower to you, by TAKASHI MURAKAMI
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Rainbow Smiley, by TAKASHI MURAKAMI
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Pinky Flower, by TAKASHI MURAKAMI
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Sea Breeze CHAN, by TAKASHI MURAKAMI
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Multicolor Double Face: White, by TAKASHI MURAKAMI
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Multicolor Double Face: Yellow, by TAKASHI MURAKAMI
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Multicolor Double Face: Black, by TAKASHI MURAKAMI
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Coffee Blues Morning, by TAKASHI MURAKAMI
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Coffee Blues, Black, by TAKASHI MURAKAMI
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Coffee Zen ENSO White, by TAKASHI MURAKAMI
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Coffee Blues DRIP, by TAKASHI MURAKAMI
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Coffee Zen ENSO BLACK, by TAKASHI MURAKAMI
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Coffee Blues Afternoon, by TAKASHI MURAKAMI
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PARALLEL UNIVERSE BY TAKASHI MURAKAMI