The first things to come to mind when I hear Takashi Murakami's name are breast milk jump ropes, Louis Vuitton and Kanye West. With the broadness of his pop culture influence, one can't ignore Murakami as a brand. Now, I'm all about people getting theirs, but there was an element of his commercial pervasiveness that did turn me off. But, when I went to the opening at Gagosian last night and was confronted with his gigantic four-panel painting, titled Picture of Fate: I Am But a Fisherman Who Angles In the Darkness of His Mind, I was completely awestruck. The vibrant colors and pop elements were to die for and I was immediately reminded of why Murakami is so fucking rich and famous.
I was fortunate enough to be hanging out with some of the artists that create his pieces (I won't go down the rabbit whole on this now, but this was totally crazy to me too) and hearing about the process used to create his super-flat pieces was ridic. I mean, silk screening, giant printers, emulsions, and electric sanders in water (to name a few) added a whole new level of depth and respect for me. Regardless of fully understanding what's being communicated, I once again, had my mind blown by things that I will never full understand.
The inviting china-lions, tie dye sunbursts, and multi-colored baby skulls provide an uplifting look at the bad and I can't wait to see the other two panels that will be posted by Monday at the gallery.
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