How Takashi Murakami Became A Pop-Culture Icon.
Music by: Cabaret Nocturne – Evil Laugh. Image credit: Takashi Murakami, Reborn, 2012, pigment print. Photographer: Hirao Kentaro; Stylist: Yunoki Kazuki; Special Effects Makeup: JIRO Production Coordination: Kaikai Kiki; ©︎2012 Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved
It’s CULTED With your 60-second ART BLAST.
Takashi Murakami, the contemporary artist best known for his grinning flowerhead motif, is one of this generation’s most influential artists.
But how did he become a pop-culture icon?
His fusion of traditional Japanese art with a playful neo-pop aesthetic gained international recognition through his collaborations with global brands and figures.
In 2002, he made his fashion debut when he adorned Louis Vuitton’s leather goods with his bold imagery, in one of the most prolific collaborations of his career.
At the time, his collab was scorned by the art world for “selling out to the commercial side” but he continued to partner with some of the most coveted fashion labels in the world.
Murakami also put himself on the pedestal of pop culture with his work with iconic musicians.
In 2007 he made the cover for Kanye West’s album Graduation, as well as creating a video for one of the album’s hit singles.
He’s also worked with Pharrell, J Balvin, and more recently Billie Eilish, animating a music video for her hit song “you should see me in a crown”.
And we can’t wait to see what’s next!
What are your thoughts on his work?
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