What makes a global icon?
Perhaps it’s someone who understands and has a talent for intersecting pop culture and a discipline of their own. Takashi Murakami has had his finger on the pulse of Japanese and global pop culture since the 1990s and hasn't let up since. A fine artist whose love of anime has inspired countless works of art that have sold for millions of dollars is what has created a household name. It’s his animated world, and we’re just getting to live in it.
MR DOB (Gold)
Original Version 2016
Painted Cast Vinyl
9 1/4 x 10 3/4 in
23.5 x 27.3 cm
Stamped on the underside
Ed 250
Murakami earned a BA, MFA, and PhD from Tokyo University of the Arts, studying nihonga (traditional Japanese painting). “Since the early 1990s Murakami has invented characters that combine aspects of popular cartoons from Japan, Europe, and the US—from his first Mr. DOB, who sometimes serves as a stand-in for the artist himself, to various anime characters and smiling flowers, bears, and lions. These figures act as icons and symbols—hosts for more complex themes of violence, technology, and fantasy” (Murakami, Gagosian).
The wonderful world of Murakami includes the ever so soft and cuddly Mr. DOB XL. A red bowtie is the final accessory that brings this cute and plush character to life. Bright eyes invite a gentle hug, providing a sense of childlike nostalgia and comfort to the viewer. One of the great things about Murakami is his ability to create cartoonish characters that keep the connection to childhood imagination alive. Mr. DOB XL is an extra large reminder that not all art needs to be serious and adult oriented. One’s inner child is free to snuggle Murakami’s character for as long as they want, allowing for a whole new connection to his art.
MR DOB XL
Polyester plush and stuffing
40 1/2x23 5/8x34 5/8in
102.9x59.9x87.9cm
40 1/2x23 5/8x34 5/8in
102.9x59.9x87.9cm
When Murakami started to gain popularity, he brought with him Japanese anime and culture. Kaikai and Kiki Chan are two characters of his creation that have stood the test of time. “The characters’ names come from the term ‘kaikaikiki’ which was used in the late 16th century to describe the work of the painter Eitoku Kanô who produced paintings that were both ‘powerful and sensitive’.” (Kaikai and Kiki, MyArtBroker). These two characters have found their way to 5Art Gallery and are a welcome addition to our Murakami collection.
KAIKAI CHAN & KIKI CHAN, 2018
Soft vinyl
9 2/5 × 5 3/5 × 3 2/5 in
23.9 × 14.2 × 8.6 cm
9 2/5 × 5 3/5 × 3 2/5 in
23.9 × 14.2 × 8.6 cm
Edition of 100
Murakami is one of those artists that will no doubt, brighten up your space and liven up your life. Champagne Supernova, 2013 greets its viewer with smiles, happy colors and a levity that only the oncoming of spring can equate. The pastel yellows, pinks, purples, blues and greens most certainly create a supernova of smiling flowers - Takashi Murakami’s specialty of allowing one’s inner child to play once again.
CHAMPAGNE SUPERNOVA: MULTICOLOR PINK AND WHITE STRIPES, 2013
29*21 inches (73.7*53.3 cm)
199/300
Signed and numbered
The universe in which Takashi Murakami has created is a colorful, animated place where one's imagination is encouraged to spring to life.
Come visit our corner of Murakami's world at 5Art Gallery in person!
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