In late 2014, I was fortunate to attend Gagosian New York's outstandingly curated solo exhibit of Takashi Murakami's work including huge sculptural works as well as very colorful and inspiring artwork. Titled "In the Land of the Dead, Stepping on the Tail of a Rainbow", the collection explored a response to natural disasters such as major earthquakes in Japan.

Takashi Murakami was born in 1962 in Tokyo, Japan and is an internationally renowned contemporary Japanese artist. He holds a BFA, MFA and PhD from the Tokyo University of the Arts. Additionally, he is recognized as a curator, a cultural entrepreneur and a critical observer of Japanese society.

His sculpture and paintings blur the lines between high and low arts and ancient/modern. Referring to his work as "superflat" - (this is now adopted as a descriptor of his artistic style as well as artists influenced by this style). His art descriptively covers a vast range including fun, cute, satirical and psychedelic. He further blurs traditional lines between art and commercial branding through collaborations with fashion houses and music icons.

Takshi Murakami is referred to as "the Warhol of Japan" for his highly collectable pop art style incorporating popular culture and anime styles. He currently resides and works in Tokyo. If you have a chance to experience his creativity in person, I highly recommend it!