Takashi MURAKAMI

Murakami, born in Tokyo in 1963, is one of the most prolific and commercially successful contemporary Japanese artists of the 1990s. Not only is he an artist but also a brilliant curator, entrepreneur, and a student of contemporary Japanese society.

" And Then" (Rainbow), 2006

His work ranges from cartoony paintings to quasi-minimalist sculptures to giant inflatable balloons, to performance events, to factory-produced watches, T-shirts, and other products. His inspiration comes from Japanese anime cartoons and Manga comics, and has always intended to erase the difference between high and low culture, grounding his work in "otaku," or "nerd" culture. Quite often his art goes as far as using provocation.

He recently collaborated twice with the luxury firm LVMH in order to design a special monogram for LOUIS VUITTON. His work with artistic director Marc Jacobs also led to a commercial success.

2004 Takashi Murakami / Kaikai Kiki Co, Ltd.

Now at the head of a business empire made of accountants, administrators, assistants and computer engineers or students, Murakami describes his work as a "fusion of art and computing".

More about Murakami:
www.takashimurakami.com

Quote to remember: " Art is on the verge of becoming very big business right now, so if we (his company) find artists who have potential to exploit, then naturally we will bring them aboard."

Louis Vuitton Eye Love Superflat, Black, 2003