Viewing Japanese Art History à la Takashi Murakami at Gagosian

Just opened at Gagosian is this feast of a show for art history buffs fans of the legendary, visionary Japanese artist, in which Murakami reinterprets historical, era-defining Japanese works of art. This retelling of history according to Murakami makes the viewer ponder social shifts in Japanese society and how those were eeked out in visual arts, as it opened up to the world after the long Edo period that prevented foreign entry between 1603 and 1868.

Modeled on iconic works held in Japanese national collections and inscribed in the national mindset, Murakami integrates his own responses and experiences to the collective, as well as his own kitsch Pop iconography – including smiling flower-faced figures and beloved Mr. DOB character. Some of the juxtapositions are also achieved by combining his sketches with AI generated images, continuing his interest in automation and technology.

Murakami also takes over the Gagosian’s Burlington Arcade space with new flower paintings, and at the Gagosian shop, a new limited edition T-shirt release inspired by one of the artworks in the main exhibition will be on sale. It’s a Murakami moment in London.