Artist: Takashi Murakami
Title: Flower Ball
Medium: Offset Color Lithograph on Wove paper
Size: 27 7/8" diameter
Edition: 92/300, co-published by the artist and KaiKai Kiki Co., Ltd., Tokyo and New York
Year: 2013
Inscription: Signed and numbered in metallic pen
Documentation: Includes Gallery Certificate of Authenticity
Characterized by the repetition of symbols, characters, and motifs, Takashi Murakami's art exudes a visual abundance and vibrant energy. Renowned for his dynamic and stylized creations, Murakami fuses traditional Japanese elements with the influences of popular culture and consumerism. Drawing inspiration from a wide variety of sources running the gamut from Andy Warhol to Japanese anime, the artist blends elements of high and low culture in his work.
"Flower Ball" is a 2013 offset lithograph on wove paper, showcasing a plethora of highly stylized, smiling flowers in a kaleidoscope of vivid hues. The artwork is ingeniously crafted in a distinctive round format, boasting a diameter of 27 7/8" inches. This Takashi Murakami offset lithograph is part of a limited edition of 300. Each piece is signed and number by Murakami and accompanied by a gallery certificate of authenticity from Modern Artifact.
About Takashi Murakami
Takashi Murakami is a Japanese contemporary artist known for his vibrant and whimsical creations that blend elements of traditional Japanese art with contemporary pop culture. Born on February 1, 1962, in Tokyo, Murakami grew up during a time of rapid cultural and technological change in Japan.
Murakami studied traditional Nihonga painting at the Tokyo University of the Arts, where he earned his BFA, MFA, and PhD. However, he quickly became disillusioned with the constraints of the traditional art world and sought to create a new style that would reflect the hyper-modern society he saw around him.
In the late 1990s, Murakami began creating works that combined the bright colors and bold graphic style of anime and manga with the techniques and imagery of traditional Japanese art. These works, which he termed "Superflat", explored themes of consumerism, globalization, and the erosion of traditional values in contemporary society.
Using his unique blend of high and low art, Murakami has collaborated with major fashion brands such as Louis Vuitton, creating limited-edition bags and accessories adorned with his signature characters and motifs. His collaborations with the fashion and music industries have helped bring his art to a wider audience and blur the boundaries between art and commerce.
Throughout his career, Murakami has exhibited his work in prestigious institutions around the world, including the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, the Brooklyn Museum, and the Palace of Versailles. His colorful and playful creations have garnered critical acclaim and have made him one of the most recognizable and influential artists of his generation.
In addition to his visual art, Murakami has also ventured into other creative realms, directing documentaries, producing animated films, and even trying his hand at fashion design. His multidisciplinary approach reflects his desire to explore new artistic territories and challenge established norms.
Takashi Murakami's unique blend of traditional and contemporary influences, along with his ability to create whimsical and thought-provoking artworks, has made him a groundbreaking figure in the art world. His work continues to captivate audiences globally and has solidified his status as one of the most important artists of our time.