Takashi Murakami’s London Showcase: A Fusion of Tradition and “Superflat” Aesthetics
Murakami reimagines Japan’s artistic legacy through a bold fusion of tradition, technology, and his signature ‘Superflat’ style at Gagosian’s Grosvenor Hill gallery.
Gagosian’s Grosvenor Hill gallery in London is set to host Japanese Art History à la Takashi Murakami from 10 December 2024 to 8 March 2025, unveiling the latest creations of the celebrated Japanese artist. Murakami, known for his unique blend of traditional Japanese motifs and contemporary pop aesthetics, once again bridges centuries of artistic evolution through his bold, self-coined “Superflat” style.
This exhibition offers a fresh interpretation of Japan’s rich artistic heritage, reimagining historical masterpieces with Murakami’s vibrant iconography, including his signature smiling flowers and Mr. DOB character. It also reflects on the cultural shifts that shaped Japan after the Edo period (1603–1868), as the nation opened to Western influence.
Murakami’s Cityscapes & Superflat Dieties
At the heart of the exhibition is Rakuchū-Rakugai-zu Byōbu: Iwasa Matabei RIP (2023–24), inspired by Iwasa Matabei’s 17th-century folding screen Scenes in and around Kyoto. Murakami reimagines the original’s intricate cityscape with his trademark gold-leaf clouds populated by skulls—a poignant memento mori inspired by Kyoto’s Toribeno burial ground. The work seamlessly weaves Murakami’s own whimsical motifs into a centuries-old framework, reflecting the enduring tension between Japan’s ancient grandeur and modern innovation.
Murakami’s fascination with mythical guardians also takes centre stage in paintings of the Four Symbols: the Black Tortoise, Blue Dragon, Vermilion Bird, and White Tiger, each paired with landmarks from Kyoto’s landscape. These fantastical depictions, informed by AI-generated elements and Murakami’s earlier works, echo the creativity of premodern Japanese artists while embracing the possibilities of modern technology.
Murakami’s reinterpretations of the gods of wind and thunder—a motif revisited across centuries by Rinpa school masters—blend Buddhist tradition with contemporary aesthetics. The artist’s dynamic diptych contrasts classical Japanese painting techniques with pop culture references, anime-inspired graphics, and the flat dimensions characteristic of his “Superflat” philosophy.
Locations and a Public Talk
In a concurrent takeover of Gagosian Burlington Arcade, Murakami will showcase six new flower paintings alongside exclusive prints and merchandise. The playful, technicolor works, beloved by fans worldwide, extend the exhibition’s reach beyond Grosvenor Hill, offering casual visitors a glimpse of Murakami’s artistry in an accessible, retail-oriented setting.
Murakami will also engage in a public conversation with Hans Ulrich Obrist, Artistic Director of the Serpentine Galleries, on 11 December at the Royal Academy of Arts. This dialogue promises insights into Murakami’s creative process, from his reinterpretation of historical screens to his fascination with the Rinpa school’s artistic evolution.
Born in Tokyo in 1962, Murakami has established himself as one of the most influential figures in contemporary art, with works housed in major institutions including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Broad in Los Angeles. His exhibitions often challenge perceptions of Japanese art, as seen in Murakami Versailles (2010) and The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg (2017).
- Exhibition dates: 10 December 2024–8 March 2025
- Location: Gagosian Grosvenor Hill, London
- Public talk: Hans Ulrich Obrist in conversation with Takashi Murakami, 11 December 2024, 4pm, Royal Academy of Arts
- https://gagosian.com/locations/london-grosvenor-hill/
Elena Leo is the Arts & Lifestyle Editor of Ikon London Magazine.
