Takashi Murakami is a Japanese painter, sculptor, and designer. Takashi Murakami’s work is an original symbiosis of modern pop culture and “high” art. His work traces the influence of popular in Japan cartoons – anime, and comics – manga. One of the author’s key works is a kind of self-portrait, his alter-ego – Mr. Dob. The character is a creature with a round head and large ears, one is drawn with the Latin letter D, on the other – B, the head depicts the letter O. DOB is an abbreviation for “Dobojite” (Why?). The phrase is associated with Japanese culture, as it belongs to the famous comedian Toru Yuri. However, Murakami chose it as an appeal to all world cultures, perceived as a kind of call for thought.
For many years now, the author’s calling card has been flower faces depicting the whole spectrum of emotions – smiling, cheerful, sad, angry, scared.
Murakami is engaged not only in painting but also creates garments, all kinds of accessories with images of his works – from bags to cushions and rugs for a computer mouse. He collaborated with Marc Jacobs – creative director of the renowned Louis Vuitton brand – to create the Cosmic Blossom collection of bags for the brand.
In addition to his creative activities, Murakami oversees commercial projects.
Takashi Murakami announced in an emotional video that his company was on the verge of bankruptcy. A couple of weeks after that, it became known that the artist was preparing a new project – a charity lottery.
According to posts on the artist’s social networks, to participate in the lottery, it is enough to register in a special NTWRK application developed for iOS and Android. Registration is paid and is analogous to buying a lottery ticket.
The raffle prizes will take place on July 30, 2020. The winners will receive prints from the artist’s new circulation series, printed in an edition of 300 copies and including 6 subjects with the iconic drawings of flowers and Murakami skulls. Each edition sheet – a black stencil print – the artist will personally finish with spray paint, sign and number.
All funds raised will go to support human rights organizations specializing in combating racism. Lottery revenues are expected to exceed $ 1 million.
Takashi Murakami said that the role of an artist is to see the present and display it for a future audience. But if his art can change the world here and now, he wants to not only do his part to pay back debts but also financially support a society suffering from racial injustice.
