Here is an article in the Economist about Takashi Murakami's recent show, (April) at The Brooklyn Museum. I am not sure what to think about it other than is a an amazing businessman. I wish I could say the same about his work.....
Takashi Murakami: Because you....
Infantile Capitalism
Apr 17th, 2008 : NEW YORK
From the Economist Print Edition
At the centre of Takashi Murakami's new exhibition is a shop. Even Andy Warhol never went that far
AMONG the many rooms that make up this grand retrospective of the work of Takashi Murakami, Japan's best-known contemporary artist, one is especially provocative. It is not the gallery with the wide-eyed cartoon-like figures in bizarrely erotic poses. Nor is it the atrium, with its towering sculpture of a colourfully grotesque, pointy-headed alien, surrounded by adorable marshmallow-like sentries. The biggest buzz is about the space right in the centre of the Brooklyn Museum's 18,500 square-foot (1,700 square-metre) show: a fully operational Louis Vuitton shop, where visitors can buy their very own luxury handbag covered in Mr Murakami's playful designs for upwards of $650.
“Being good in business is the most fascinating kind of art,” Andy Warhol once said. Mr Murakami, 46, who is often called the “Japanese Warhol” for his savvy publicity and branding, thoroughly muddles the difference between his art and commercial work. In addition to his Louis Vuitton collection (which he describes as “the heart of the exhibition”), his personal company churns out everything from paintings to keyrings. His promotional literature advertises his auction records and makes little distinction between artistic and financial success.
Click here for entire article.
Comments