Murakami Exhibit

[Rob_Hugo@PortNW]

There's a Murakami Exhibit at the MOCA museum that will end, I believe, at the end of this month. Has anyone attended it? If so, would you comment on it please? I've been meaning to go but did not have a chance to. I was invited to go with a colleague but wanted to get some impression about it through others who have seen it. Please let me know. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Hey Sarah,

I went to the Murakami exhibit and thoroughly enjoyed it. I am no modern art aficionado, in fact I guess I don't really "get" modern art, but I thought Murakami's works were pretty accessible. There was a definite cuteness factor, with all the crazy flowers and bright colors. (So kawaii!) I was also interested in the Louis Vitton boutique. Of course, I couldn't buy anything, but I liked looking at all the different versions of the Louis Vitton bag that Murakami made. I only knew about the version with the white bag with colorful letters, but there was so much more.

There was some adult content (naked women and men, but in a cartoonish way). I read a review in the LA Times that described it as eating a whole box of Sees' Candy in one sitting, and I think the description's apt. Going to the exhibit reminded me of my younger days when I was obsessed with Hello Kitty and cute girly things. I was just laughing and smiling throughout the whole exhibit.

My one gripe: the museum store was way too expensive, even by museum standards. They don't have any posters, only lithographs, and one little pin was around $5. I suppose this is because Murakami has all his merchandise copyrighted or something like that.

If you go on Thursdays from 5-8, admission is free.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like fun. I was planning to go on a Thursday for the Free factor. I will be sure to avoid the Museum store--they are overpriced in general but with Murakami, I'm sure it is even more. Thank goodness Hello Kitty is accessible -- I'm still a fan!

[Anonymous]

Thank for the information too! I think I'll head over on a Thursday as well. It's the cheap teacher in me.

[Anonymous]

I spoke to Amanda who recently went to the exhibit and said I definitely need to go see it. If you are a fan of Manga, this is the exhibit for you. She said it was colorful and very festive -- also fascinating is the line of Louis Vuitton work that Murakami did for the line. I believe the exhibit will be here until the end of this month. I will have to see it before it goes away.

[Anonymous]

Ovation TV (cable network channel) had a special on Murakami that replays reasonably often. Heres a link to the schedule page on their website:

http://www.ovationtv.com/art/programdetail.aspx?id=459&genre=3&subgenre=16&genre_name=art

They also have a short video in the ART tab of their video section that shows highlights from the MOCA exhibit. Look for the second video titled Murokami at MOCA (the first video titled such does not seem to be the correct link)

http://www.ovationtv.com/art/video.aspx

[Anonymous]

I went to this exhibit about a month ago, on a Friday because it is free. I really loved the variety that the exhibit contained. There were large canvas pieces, statues, commercials and, of course, the Louis Vuitton purses. You can actually purchase some handbags and wallets at the museum.

[Anonymous]

I finally took the time to go see the exhibit three weeks ago. I was a thrilled to see so many diverse people there.

It seems like Murakami is still a "new discovery" for many of the general public.

I really thought the "Splash" area was hilarious.

The statues with the fluids were ... well, not at all subtle =P

I wonder what will happen to all those ad banners that line the city streets.

[Anonymous]

Both Jazmin and myself went to this exhibit. As a huge anime fan, I found the exhibit awesome. I had questions about the more "racey" artwork, like the nude women. Also, I found his commercials amazing, I think they were my favorite part of his exhibit. By the way, this guy did the album art for Kanye West's new album

[Anonymous]

It's great seeing anime-art branch out into other artistic venues, like music. Which album was the Murakami's collaboration with Kanye West?

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