Murakami Machine
Posted by development shop on May 11, 2011 0 Comments
While I can’t say that I’m a huge fan of Takashi Murakami’s art, I completely appreciate that he understands the relationship between art and commercialism as the formula for success for today’s artists. Who doesn’t want the cool t-shirt, poster or keychain that validates our cultural intelligence?
Murakami completely breaks open the myth of artist as “the solitary genius” by employing a small army of artists to assist him in his creative process. This honest confession to one’s artistic production would have many a turnin’ in their graves—starting with Michelangelo. Murakami’s company, Kaikai Kiki, similar to Warhol’s Factory, addresses our need for consumption. So, it’s no surprise that his retrospective at the MOCA included a Louis Vuitton boutique where fashionistas could buy LV handbags printed with his popular multicolor spin on the Louis Vuitton logo. Paul Schimmel, chief curator of MOCA, noted that “it was difficult for a museum to relinquish this sacred ground, but it was absolutely the right thing to do in this instance.” So, we flock to the museum shows to contemplate the dynamics of Murakami’s critique on contemporary culture or because we want to make sure we get that gorgeous handbag? Either way, Murakami’s got us.
For more on Murakami, see Sarah Thornton, Seven Days in the Art World, “The Studio Visit”, (2008).
