Takashi Murakami is a contemporary Japanese artist, well known in the art and fashion world. He blends both high in low art in his pieces. His work can be viewed anywhere from Louis Vuitton bags to the Palace of Versailles. I love what he has to say about his exhibition shown above:
“For a Japanese like me, the Château de
Versailles is one of the greatest symbols of Western history. It is the
emblem of an ambition for elegance, sophistication and art that most of
us can only dream of.
Of course, we are aware that the spark that set fire to the powder of the Revolution came directly from the centre of the building. But, in many respects, everything is transmitted to us as a fantastic tale coming from a very distant kingdom. Just as French people can find it hard to recreate in their minds an accurate image of the Samurai period, the history of this palace has become diminished for us in reality. So it is probable that the Versailles of my imagination corresponds to an exaggeration and a transformation in my mind so that it has become a kind of completely separate and unreal world. That is what I have tried to depict in this exhibition. I am the Cheshire cat that welcomes Alice in Wonderland with its diabolic smile, and chatters away as she wanders around the Château. With a broad smile I invite you all to discover the wonderland of Versailles.” Takashi Murakami
I love the contrast-yet similarity that is happening in this exhibit. The bright colors and "pop"-iness of Murakami's work within French Baroque architecture, both so over the top some how they compliment each other. The first photo within the Hall of Mirrors with all those crystal chandeliers surrounding his piece, there is so much going on- it's overwelmingly good.
Of course, we are aware that the spark that set fire to the powder of the Revolution came directly from the centre of the building. But, in many respects, everything is transmitted to us as a fantastic tale coming from a very distant kingdom. Just as French people can find it hard to recreate in their minds an accurate image of the Samurai period, the history of this palace has become diminished for us in reality. So it is probable that the Versailles of my imagination corresponds to an exaggeration and a transformation in my mind so that it has become a kind of completely separate and unreal world. That is what I have tried to depict in this exhibition. I am the Cheshire cat that welcomes Alice in Wonderland with its diabolic smile, and chatters away as she wanders around the Château. With a broad smile I invite you all to discover the wonderland of Versailles.” Takashi Murakami
I love the contrast-yet similarity that is happening in this exhibit. The bright colors and "pop"-iness of Murakami's work within French Baroque architecture, both so over the top some how they compliment each other. The first photo within the Hall of Mirrors with all those crystal chandeliers surrounding his piece, there is so much going on- it's overwelmingly good.
