Takashi Murakami

Takashi Murakami was born in 1963 in Tokyo and studied at the National University of Fine Arts and Music in the Japanese capital, where he earned his doctorate in *Nihonga*, a blend of Western and Eastern styles that dates back to the 19th century. Murakami works in both traditional media, such as painting, and in new, digital, and commercial media. He is widely regarded as one of the most groundbreaking and provocative Japanese artists of our time. Murakami seeks to blur the lines between high and low art and is recognized as one of the founders of the Superflat style. This style is characterized by large, uniform color fields and figures inspired by anime and manga. Murakami’s work has similarities to pop art in that he draws elements from low art and elevates them within high art. His work is thus often classified under Neo Pop Art. He creates both cartoon-like paintings and quasi-minimalist sculptures, large balloons, stage designs, and designs for watches, posters, keychains, ashtrays, t-shirts, and other industrial products, many inspired by his famous character Mr. Dob. Takashi Murakami’s work is now exhibited worldwide in leading museums. In 2008, Murakami was listed among the 100 Most Influential People by *Time* magazine, where he was the only visual artist to appear.