Takashi Murakami, the renowned Japanese artist known for his colourful and iconic pop art, reflects on the themes and inspirations behind his latest exhibition, "Unfamiliar People," set to open at the San Francisco Asian Art Museum. This exhibition explores the impact of the pandemic, the concept of "Superflat," the relationship between art and capitalism, and the evolution of his artistic career.
The artist's collaboration with curator Laura Allen began in 2019, leading to the creation of "Unfamiliar People" during the pandemic. Murakami observed the drastic shifts in human behaviour brought about by the pandemic, noting the rise of social media abuses and trolling. He became fascinated by the dissonance between people's public personas and their true selves revealed online. His painting "Unfamiliar People" seeks to visualise this revelation.
Murakami's "Superflat" theory delves into Japan's post-war state of being and its complex relationship with history. He believes that, despite Japan's inability to construct a solid national history, narratives can still emerge from the daily thoughts and experiences of its people.
Image: Takashi Murakami, Unfamiliar People
In today's world, where basic needs are met, people turn to art to explore deeper mysteries. Murakami sees collaboration with major companies as a means to reach a wider audience, emphasising the importance of art's accessibility.
The artist acknowledges his role in flattening the art world by allowing anyone to claim their creation as "art" if it resembles a painting or sculpture. This approach has influenced the Asian art market and democratised art production.
A pivotal moment occurred when Murakami witnessed the natural disasters of March 2011, leading him to reevaluate Japan's relationship with nature and religion. This transformative experience inspired his monumental work, "The 500 Arhats."
Now, Murakami is exploring the digital world of NFTs and cryptocurrencies, aligning with the evolving interests of younger generations. He believes that these digital technologies will reshape our reality in the coming years.
Reflecting on his journey, Murakami shares that his company, Kaikai Kiki, now employs around 220 people. He drew inspiration for its operation from Studio Ghibli, Star Wars, and other creative studios. Despite challenges during the pandemic, he has been working to strengthen his company's survival strategies.
Takashi Murakami's artistic journey, influenced by anime, manga, Western art, and the world's changing landscape, continues to evolve, with his latest exhibition serving as a testament to his adaptability and creative exploration.
Main Image: Michelle Groskopf / For The Times