Takashi Murakami reinvents Japanese art in new exhibition

Grosvenor Hill Gallery at Gagosian London is preparing for an exhibition that fuses the past with the present, bringing together traditional Japanese art with the unmistakable contemporary vision of Takashi Murakami. Entitled ‘Japanese Art History a la Takashi Murakami’, this new exhibition opens on 10 December and promises a unique experience of visual reinterpretation that traverses centuries of Japanese art history through Murakami’s Superflat lens.

One of the exhibition’s main attractions is the work ‘Rakuchū-Rakugai-zu Byōbu: Iwasa Matabei RIP’ (2023-24), Murakami’s highly personal version of the famous 17th-century folding painting depicting the city of Kyoto. Keeping the essence of the original, Murakami introduces elements such as gold leaf clouds, skulls inspired by Kyoto’s Toribeno cemetery and his famous flower faces. In addition, the ever-present ‘Mr. DOB’, his signature character, features prominently, lending a new layer of interpretation to this classic of Japanese art.

Another highlight of the show is the ‘Four Symbols’ pieces, where Murakami explores the mythical guardians of Kyoto, fusing traditional figures with iconic symbols and references to the city. This work is a mixture of AI-created images, sketches and references to his own archive of past works, evoking the rich creativity of traditional artists, but with his unmistakable stamp. A diptych of wind and thunder gods, for example, is a clear homage to the Rinpa school, while Murakami’s ‘Superflat’ aesthetic blends with the influence of pop, anime and otaku culture, creating a work loaded with visual references ranging from the classical to the more contemporary.

The exhibition also pays homage to natural elements, with pieces inspired by the iconic cherry blossom trees of Daigoji Temple, as well as motifs of chrysanthemums, holly and the ‘Kōrin Water’. These works not only reflect the connection between Japanese art and fashion, but also capture the artist’s fascination with the cultural symbols that define Japanese identity, integrating such vibrant, ephemeral beauty into his own visual universe. As part of this celebration of his work, Murakami’s smiling flowers will also be on display at the Gagosian Burlington Arcade gallery, bringing their characteristic energy to a parallel space.

On 11 December, Murakami will participate in an exclusive talk with curator Hans Ulrich Obrist at the Royal Academy of Arts, where he will discuss in detail his reinterpretations of Japanese art. In addition, limited edition catalogues will be released featuring collectible cards designed by the artist himself, perfect for loyal fans. For more details and not to miss out on this unique proposition, visit the Gagosian website. This is a unique opportunity to delve into the vision of one of the most influential artists in contemporary art, who continues to revolutionise the boundaries between tradition and modernity.