Busan Museum of Art hosts exhibition ′MurakamiZombie′

Busan Museum of Art hosts exhibition 'MurakamiZombie': Art / 연합뉴스 / 2023-01-27 15:18:44

▲This photo shows, artist Murakami Takashi. (Yonhap)

▲This photo shows the homage piece done by Murakami Takashi of Francis Bacon. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL January 27 (Yonhap) -- “After the strike of Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami in 2011, I started to think that I want to deliver some sort of a message through art works I produce. Later on my view on painting and creation has embarked on a whole new side of the journey due to COVID 19.” addressed modern artist Murakami Takashi.

One of the leading modern art figure Murakami Takashi’s exhibition “MurakamiZombie” kicked off on Busan Museum of Art located in Busan on January 26.

After Murakami Takashi’s exhibition held in Plateau of Samsung Museum in 2013, artist has brought back over 170 of the pieces including his latest, never been exhibited, early paintings, sculptures and more in over 10 years.

The Artist elaborates the idea of Otaku: Japanese term for describing people with interest in one specific subject or a person, with art by showcasing the ideology of Superflat which destroys the segmentation placed between highly recognized culture and subculture, past and present, originality and imitation and more.

Exhibition which revolves around three big overlaying theme of cuteness, bizarre and empty provides visitors with artist Murakami’s signature character DOB, and how the character evolved into a character with bizarre appearance “Tan Tan Bo,” and how the artist comes to a realization of that everything leads to emptiness and void in the end.

Representing characters of “Murakami World” will be featured within the cute segment of the exhibition. From characters “Mr. Dob” which combines Doraemon with Super Sonic to “Murakami Flower” with 12 flower pedals, and more will greet the visitors.
Once the visitors pass on by through the space filled with colorful “Murakami Flowers” people will be greeted with segment clustered with bizarre paintings of intertwined body parts which is an homage of famous artist Francis Bacon using his own character “DOB.” 53 of the various bizarre pieces done by Murakami Takashi including a painting he has revealed in 1993 which drew a lot of controversy, his project “K02” and more will be introduced throughout the segment.

Project by Murakami Takashi which were either cute or bizarre has gone through severe changes after Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami in 2011.

Artist who participated in the interview before the kick off of his solo exhibition addressed his experience during the horrific day.

“When watching a TV show Murakami Takashi has witnessed a birth of a religion when it showcased a scene where they addressed to a child who has lost his mother due to the tsunami, that his mom has become a star in the sky. Religion exists in order to calm the minds of those who are panicking by providing very different story from what actually occurs. That is why after the incident I have changed into showcasing pieces with more story.” addressed Murakami Takashi throughout his interview.

The segment which withholds pieces with the theme of empty is where visitors will be greeted with various changes. Through various images from Buddhism, artist depicts life and death, beginning and end. Also the visitors will be able to witness a sculpture of the artist himself with his dog as a zombie. Moreover, the exhibition will showcase “Nuclear-Meltdown” from 1988 which shows artist interest regarding nuclear reactors, this typical segment shows very distinctive and unique works different from artist current style of production.
The belief that the religious story within an art piece withholds grate important has change as we survived throughout the pandemic.

Murakami Takashi addressed throughout his interview that “As the pandemic spread throughout the world more vigorously and widely, I feel like religion had no power. Stories could not be made, however people need something to lean on to. While looking around, kids were creating augmented reality through metaverse and zooms, kids nowadays are surpassing the idea of reality and creates a world based on the current state of living and gets comfort from that augmented reality.”

The current solo exhibition held in Busan Museum of Art is part of the series exhibition called “Lee Woo-hwan (Lee Ufan) and his friends.” Within the exhibition hall of “Lee Ufan” Murakami Takashi’s series of circles will be placed alongside Lee Ufan’s works.

Some of the critics pose negative thoughts regarding artist’s works.

“In my personal belief Nara Yoshitomo and I have worked very hard to lower the level entrance barrier regarding art, however some of the critics describe our work to be causing the wide spread of weird and odd culture” adding “As a result, I am just waiting to see the audiences reaction on whether the works I have created can be enjoyed as art, whether this is the rightful path I am taking, and more.” addressed Murakami Takashi throughout his interview.

Continuing on artist addressed “Just like sports, there are various genres within the modern art itself. I would like to pose a new idea of modern art to people who visit the exhibition. I just hope a lot of people who visit the exhibition will be able to enjoy the pieces I have created and have fun.”
Murakami Takashi appeared at the interview with a pink jellyfish hat which he has created. The character which also appears in the movie “Jellyfish Eyes,” can be seen in within the exhibition.

“At first I started to wear these unique items to distinguish myself from various artists, however the trend grew bigger as time passed on by and now Kusama Yayoi who recently collaborated with designer brand Louis Vuitton was wearing a pumpkin hat, I think I might be an influential figure” Murakami Takashi laughed throughout his interview.

The exhibition is filled with various aspects which draws visitors attention, from odd and bizarre looking characters created by Murakami Takashi, his early pieces from 1990s possessions of G-Dragon and T.O.P of K-pop superstar group BIGBANG and more.

“I have designed the exhibition so that kids could also enjoy the show,” adding “I truly hope those who visit the exhibition despite of their age will be able to enjoy and have fun.” addressed Murakami Takashi.

Exhibition of the artist was originally planned for September of 2022, however while the pieces were being placed throughout the exhibition, the ceiling of the museum started to leak due to heavy rain, therefore it got postponed until further notice. Therefore the duration of the exhibition has been shortened. Due to the unexpected turn of event, the exhibition has become free of admission.

Representative of Busan Mueseum of Art, Ki Hae-kyung addressed “The exhibition has provided the museum which is about to go with a renovation a grand pressure,” adding “In order to continue on with the trend of art which was fueled by K-art a lot of things need to be changed from not on forward.”

The exhibition will be held until May 12.