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The Arts Intel Report

A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler
A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler

Takashi Murakami: Baka

Streaming on Perrotin

“Japanese people accept that art and commerce will be blended,” the acclaimed artist Takashi Murakami has said, “they are surprised by the rigid and pretentious Western hierarchy of ‘high art.’” True to his word, Murakami’s practice joins manga imagery with super-colorful graphics. The resulting work has Pop power, but also lightness and humor. At Perrotin in Paris, much of the exhibition is devoted to Mr. DOB, an emoji-like character—and personal avatar!—created by Murakami. —E.C.

View of the exhibition “Baka” at Perrotin Paris. Photo: Claire Dorn ©2019 Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Courtesy Perrotin.