Courtesy of Artist Takashi Murakami and Gagosian London
This December, Gagosian’s Grosvenor Hill gallery in London will host Japanese Art History à la Takashi Murakami, a landmark exhibition where the internationally acclaimed artist applies his unique vision to traditional Japanese art. Opening on December 10, the show explores centuries-old themes through Murakami’s signature “Superflat” aesthetic, blending pop culture, anime, and traditional art forms.
A Contemporary Take on Traditional Themes
Courtesy of Artist Takashi Murakami and Gagosian London
Among the standout pieces is Rakuchū-Rakugai-zu Byōbu: Iwasa Matabei RIP (2023–24), Murakami’s reinterpretation of a 17th-century folding screen that depicts the historic city of Kyoto. The artist transforms the original gold-leaf clouds into vibrant compositions featuring skull motifs inspired by Kyoto’s Toribeno burial ground. His iconic flower faces and Mr. DOB character further bring a contemporary dimension to this classical subject.
Kyoto’s Guardians and Modern Mythology
Murakami continues to draw inspiration from Kyoto in Four Symbols, which reimagines the city’s mythical guardians paired with iconic landmarks. Created using a combination of AI imagery, hand-drawn sketches, and elements from his previous works, these pieces celebrate the ingenuity of traditional Japanese artists while showcasing Murakami’s innovative style. Another key work is a diptych of wind and thunder gods, blending the techniques of the Rinpa school with Murakami’s vibrant, flattened aesthetic. These pieces encapsulate the fusion of tradition and modernity that defines his art.
Nature, Fashion, and Beyond
Courtesy of Artist Takashi Murakami and Gagosian London
Other highlights of the exhibition include works inspired by Daigoji Temple’s famed cherry blossoms, as well as motifs of chrysanthemums, hollyhocks, and the iconic Kōrin Water. These elements underscore the longstanding relationship between Japanese art and fashion, which Murakami reinterprets with his contemporary lens.
A Multidimensional Experience
Courtesy of Artist Takashi Murakami and Gagosian London
In addition to the Grosvenor Hill display, Murakami’s smiling flower paintings will also be exhibited at Gagosian’s Burlington Arcade. On December 11, the artist will join curator Hans Ulrich Obrist at the Royal Academy of Arts for a conversation about his reinterpretations of Japanese art. For collectors, the exhibition offers limited-edition catalogues that include Murakami-designed trading cards.
To learn more about the exhibition and secure tickets, visit the official Gagosian website.