MURAKAMI vs MURAKAMI

Presented by
Astrup Fearnley Museet, Oslo

Tai Kwun Contemporary is proud to announce MURAKAMI vs MURAKAMI, a major survey exhibition of the Japanese artist Takashi Murakami (b. 1962, Tokyo, Japan), which opens from 1 June to 1 September 2019.  The exhibition will explore the multifaceted universe of the cultural phenomenon of this Japanese super-star artist. Taking over all art galleries at Tai Kwun, this comprehensive survey will feature over 60 paintings and sculptures in a stunning, immersive setting that showcases the intriguing paradoxes embodied in the diverse work and life of Takashi Murakami.

One of the most influential artists in the world, Takashi Murakami has the ability to amaze as well as to confound, with a particular but subtle critique of contemporary culture. He also has an uncanny knack for reaching out far beyond the realm of contemporary art to a broader mainstream audience.

Curated by Gunnar B. Kvaran, Director of Astrup Fearnley Museet (Oslo, Norway) and Tobias Berger, Head of Art at Tai Kwun, MURAKAMI vs MURAKAMI features divergent extremes of the artist’s oeuvre—from his large-scale post-apocalyptic works to his optimistic flower pieces, and then to his contemplative Enso paintings, offering Buddhist visions of enlightenment. Also on view for the first time is a showcase of some of the artist’s iconic and outlandish costume designs, which visitors will experience alongside other important video works, samples from his private art collection, as well as the artist’s spectacular wall and floor art—which serves up a forceful yet complex visual impact^#.

Over the course of three months, Tai Kwun Contemporary will host a wide range of public programming and educational events. These include videos by Takashi Murakami to be screened regularly on the Laundry Steps, as well as a public discussion with Takashi Murakami and Tobias Berger. Other events slated to be present include frequent guided tours, educational workshops, public talks, anime and film screenings, among others. 

A special pop-up store will also open in F Hall Studio over the course of the exhibition, where visitors can freely enjoy neon and wallpaper works by Takashi Murakami. In many ways an extension of the artist’s intervention in a broader visual culture, the pop-up store will offer Takashi Murakami products for sale, including Tai Kwun–exclusive items made for the occasion of the exhibition.

^#To protect the art, visitors are required to wear socks in the gallery spaces with floor art. Visitors are welcome to prepare their own shoes covers, while shoes covers will also be provided at the gallery reception.

Installation view of MURAKAMI vs MURAKAMI

*Concession tickets are applicable to students (aged under 18 or with full-time student ID), seniors aged over 65 and persons with disability.

Advance tickets to the exhibition are available on Ticketflap

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