About the artwork
Murakami’s set of tandos (circular-format paintings) continue to pay homage to traditional Japanese art styles such as the Rinpa School and Ukiyo-e prints. His delicate incorporation of traditional Japanese elements such as chrysanthemums and rivers have clearly left a profound impression on Murakami as this print features the delicate textures of the leaves and the gently flowing river. Moreover, the inclusion of the strikingly ‘Red River’ is another reference to traditional Japanese visual vocabulary. However, Murakami has injected his own bold graphic style with his flowers that feature his iconic smiling design and also, a bright and vivid colour palette which stands out against the dark and mysterious background - a true infusion of the Japanese new and old.
About the artist
Born in Tokyo in 1962, Takashi Murakami is a globally celebrated Japanese artist who masterfully dismantles the barriers between fine art and commercial culture. He coined the term 'Superflat' to define his vibrant, boundary-blurring aesthetic, reflecting both traditional Japanese art and the complexities of post-war Japanese society. Murakami's influential works have captivated audiences worldwide, gracing the halls of prestigious institutions like the Guggenheim Bilbao, MoCA Los Angeles, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.