Takashi Murakami

Takashi Murakami (1962 - present) 

Born Takashi Murakami (村上 隆) on February 1, 1962, in Tokyo, Japan. 

Grew up in post-war Japan when anime and manga were becoming very popular. He studied the traditional style of Japanese painting, Nihonga, at the Tokyo University of the Arts. He received his B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in this subject area.

Is known for creating modern sculptures and paintings inspired by historical Japanese art. Themes of brightly colored cartoon-like flowers, animals, and dragons are often seen in his works.

At the turn of the century, Murakami coined the term "Superflat" where he combined the "high" and "low" Japanese art forms together. This art is also a commentary on the consumer culture in post WWII Japan. He will often collaborate with musical artists and fashion brands to create works that reach a mass audience.