Music & Contemporary Art: Takashi Murakami Iconic Collaborations

/TWP
Apr 29, 2021
3 min read

Updated: May 12, 2021

Born in Tokyo, Takashi Murakami became a cultural icon known for blending pop culture with traditional fine art. Murakami merges Japanese pop culture references with rich historical critique from his views while growing up in a post-WWII world.

In 1990s Murakami created his own movement called "Superflat", which refers to a 2-dimensional imagery style and flat planes of color. The flattened compositions and its bright aesthetic that lacked one point perspective was a commentary on post-WWII Japan society culture that, according to him, had little distinction between high and low art. This movement landed him attention beyond the art world and comparisons to Andy Warhol.

Takashi Murakami's 2009 painting, on view at the The Broad museum — Hustle'n'Punch

Collaborations

Graduation - Kanye West (Album Cover)

The 2007 iconic album cover was a mark on both artists' careers. Graduation scored two Grammy nominations, Album of The Year and Best Rap Album, which he won the latter. This is one of my favorite covers of all time along with the album itself. The colors and overall graphics illustrate the album songs and essence beautifully. In the cover, the Dropout bear is featured, Kanye's alter ego and a motif that would be present in many of his album covers. Fame and wealth are big subjects of this album where he deep dives in its own existence and life now that he is famous.

Good Morning - Kanye West (Music Video)

On the music video for Good Morning, also featured on the Graduation album, Takashi directed the animated video. Both works were reappropriated by him in his paintings and sculptures.

Kids See Ghosts - Kanye West / Kid Cudi (Album Cover)

The 2018 album cover for Kanye and Cudi's project called Kids See Ghosts also had Murakami as the artist. The collaboration result was inspired by a 2001 painting called ‘Manji Fuji also from him. The album has supernatural undertones, such as illustrated in the cover. The color scheme is nothing short of stunning and I also believe that the cover really drives the album's message. Kanye and Cudi's quest for spiritual enlightenment in a world of chaos. The allegory of ghosts, demons and other creatures to talk about mental illness and freedom provides the listener a magnificent journey that Murakami's work was able to illustrate with a unique perspective. The artistic compatibility among these artists is incredibly special and will soon be continued by an upcoming animated show inspired by the same album.

you should see me in a crown - Billie Eilish (Music Video)

This 2009 collaboration with the upcoming artist Billie Eilish was a representation of Murakami's reach to the generation Z. The anime-style video, directed and animated by him, also features an alluring color scheme and the very well-known Murakami's flowers. This video provides a fresh interpretation on the lyrics and matches nicely with Eilish's artistic voice.

Colores - J Balvin (Album Cover)

Takashi Murakami's artwork for J Balvin's latest album provides an intense, electric and uplifting feel. The smiling flowers featured on the album are one of Murakami's most famous motifs. This 2020 captivating cover represents well J Balvin's fashion and music style and brings as much joy as his songs.