"DOB's March" by Takashi Murakami (1995). Acrylic on canvas mounted on board. Collection of Javier and Monica Mora, Miami.

Murakami's work is largely inspired by his upbringing in Japan, after the Second World War. Born in 1962, he began painting as a teenager at a time when cute, childlike images were gaining popularity. A fan of manga comics and anime, he absorbed those genres into his artwork.  

"727" by Takashi Murakami (1996). Acrylic on canvas mounted on board. The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Gift of David Teiger.

"Magic Ball II" by Takashi Murakami (1999). Acrylic on canvas. Collection of Julie and Larry Bernstein.

"Lots, Lots of Kaikai and Kiki" by Takashi Murakami (2009). Acrylic and platinum leaf on canvas mounted on aluminum frame. 300 x 608 x 5.08 cm (5 panels). Private collection.

His painting "Lots, Lots of Kaikai and Kiki," is a prime example of Superflat, a modern art movement pioneered by Murakami. Superflat merges pop art and anime with fine art techniques.

Takashi Murakami, with correspondent Serena Altschul, touring an exhibition of his work at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Beyond art galleries, his work has been featured everywhere from a Kanye West album, to Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, to Louis Vuitton bags.

"Tan Tan Bo Puking - a.k.a. Gero Tan" by Takashi Murakami (2002). Acrylic on canvas mounted on board. Private Collection, courtesy of Galerie Perrotin.

Detail from "Kawaii‑vacances (Summer Vacation in the Kingdom of the Golden)" by Takashi Murakami (2008). Acrylic and gold leaf on canvas mounted on aluminum frame.

"Flowers, flowers, flowers" by Takashi Murakami (2010). Acrylic and platinum leaf on canvas mounted on aluminum frame. Collection of the Chang family, Taiwan.

Artist Takashi Murakami with correspondent Serena Altschul. 

"Dragon in Clouds - Red Mutation: The version I painted myself in annoyance after Professor Nobuo Tsuji told me, 'Why don't you paint something yourself for once?'" by Takashi Murakami (2010), with detail. Acrylic on canvas. 3670 x 18000 mm.

"Kansei Gold" by Takashi Murakami (2008). Acrylic and gold leaf on canvas. Private Collection.

"From the perceived debris of the universe, we are still yet unable to reach the stage of nirvana" by Takashi Murakami (2008). Acrylic and platinum leaf on canvas mounted on wood panel, signage in gold leaf. Collection of Cari and Michael J. Sacks.

"Release Chakra's gate at this instant" by Takashi Murakami (2008). Acrylic and platinum leaf on canvas mounted on wood panel. Private Collection.

"Oval Buddha Silver" by Takashi Murakami (2008). Sterling silver 136.5 x 80.5 x 78 cm.

"Embodiment of 'A'" by Takashi Murakami (2014). FRP, stainless steel, zelkova wood, and acrylic. Courtesy of the Artist and Blum & Poe, Los Angeles/New York/Tokyo.

"Embodiment of 'Um'" by Takashi Murakami (2014). FRP, stainless steel, zelkova wood, and acrylic. Courtesy of the Artist and Blum & Poe, Los Angeles/New York/Tokyo.

"And then, and then and then and then and then / Original Blue" by Takashi Murakami (2006). Acrylic on canvas mounted on board. 100 x 100 cm.

For more info:

"Takashi Murakami: Lineage of Eccentrics" at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (though April 1, 2018)
"Murakami & Abloh: Future History" at Gagosian Gallery, London (through April 7, 2018)
"Takashi Murakami: The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg" at Vancouver Art Gallery (through May 6, 2018), and at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth (June 10-Sept. 16, 2018)
"Takashi Murakami: Solo Show" at 130 Orchard Street, New York (April 28-June 17, 2018)