A brief analysis on Takeshi Murakami’s art

Takeshi Murakami is the creator of the “superflat” movement that originated from post war Japan. He uses a mix of canvases, and digital programming in order to create his prints. He has a really distinct and recognizable style which blends Warhol use of color with traditional Japanese art aesthetic to create wild and psychedelic art.

This piece is an example of how he uses repetition and algorithms to create visuals with 1 or 2 elements.

Most of us have seen his art at one point or another, he collaborated with Kanye West for the iconic Graduation album cover and they would collaborate again for Kids See Ghosts.

Both of these album covers demonstrate important aspects of Murakami’s art. He takes inspiration from both old and new Japanese art. In Graduation, the anime inspired Kanye Bear is taken from traditional anime cartoons. For Kids See Ghosts, Murakami interpolated the iconic Thirty Six Views off Mount Fiji to create the background.

What is especially important to note in both of these art pieces is that Murakami’s approach of creating a flat image is in full displayed. Murakami believes that flat art is an integral part of Japanese culture and so he strives to create art that will satisfy that concept. Regardless he is an integral part of the art and pop culture community. I am excited to see what he does next.