Takashi Murakami: Arhat Cycle
Takashi Murakami has opened his first exhibition in an Italian public space. Titled Arhat Cycle, the exhibition is held within Milan’s Royal Palace.
The exhibition features a collection of Murakami’s paintings and large-scale sculptures. Following on from the extensive 2010 retrospective of the Japanese artist’s work – which was shown at the Palace of Versailles in France – this current exhibition shifts focus to Murakami’s more recent works and highlights the ability of Murakami to merge historical references, contemporary and science fiction in a multitude of styles, methods, forms and techniques.
The inclusion of the word “Arhat” within the exhibition’s title refers to the Buddhist term for a person who has found enlightenment. Buddhism as a source of inspiration is evident throughout a number of Murakami’s large-scale paintings on display. The paintings – between five and 10 metres in length – depict an ancient tale of Buddhist monks who are facing decline and death. Murakami applies his vibrant and psychedelic style to the tale, retelling it with his own visual language. The paintings were designed in response to the major earthquake that took place in Japan in 2011.
A number of Murakami’s self portraits are also on display. As Murakami continues to develop this series he continually questions his own perception of his place in the world and greater universe.
Arhat Cycle was curated by Francesco Bonami and is on display at the Royal Palace in Milan, Italy until Sunday 7 September 2014.
—
