Takashi Murakami's current show at the Gagosian Gallery entitled "Tranquility of the Heart, Torment of the Flesh" sees him pausing his super colorful acid tripped designs to revisit Japanese Zen. Some of the paintings in the new show depict the founder of Zen Buddhism in different stages of his enlightenment.
Murakami is probably best known for his two characters DOB and Mr. Pointy. However, it wasn't until 2003 that his unique design sensibility became instantly recognizable when fashion house Louis Vuitton asked him to reinterpret the classic LV monogram for their handbags. It wasn't long before women everywhere sported white leather bags covered in colorful floral and eye patterns - classic Murakami.
Aside from his anime characters, movies and handbags, I've been curious to see what Murakami can do when his colorful pencils are removed. Strip the psychedelic patterns away and is there any artist left? Based on the few pieces I've seen at the Gagosian, I'm thinking yes - this man is a genius. I may even take a little trip to New York to see the show myself.
via Notcot
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